U.S. patent application number 15/467435 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for force measuring exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Trevor Adam Paulsen. Invention is credited to Trevor Adam Paulsen.
Application Number | 20170282013 15/467435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59960170 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170282013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paulsen; Trevor Adam |
October 5, 2017 |
Force Measuring Exercise Device
Abstract
A force measurement device has a motion dampening device having
at least two ends. A first end is releasably engaged to a base
frame and a second end is releasably engaged to a moveable member.
A load cell is in communication with the motion dampening device.
The load cell measures a force imparted by a user and the load cell
registers the force to a display which depicts the registered force
exerted by the user. A method for measuring the force a user
imparts onto an exercise apparatus comprises the user imparting
force onto a moveable member. The motion dampening device imparts a
force substantially opposite to the user force and a load cell
measures the force exerted by the user. The force is transmitted to
a display wherein the display depicts the registered force imparted
by the user.
Inventors: |
Paulsen; Trevor Adam;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Paulsen; Trevor Adam |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59960170 |
Appl. No.: |
15/467435 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62314690 |
Mar 29, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 2023/0411 20130101; A63B 23/03525
20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 21/0085 20130101; A63B 21/045
20130101; A61B 5/221 20130101; A61B 5/6895 20130101; A63B 23/0488
20130101; A63B 21/078 20130101; A61B 2503/10 20130101; A63B 21/4029
20151001; A63B 2220/53 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B
71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A61B
2562/0261 20130101; A63B 21/008 20130101; A63B 2071/0658 20130101;
G09B 19/0038 20130101; A63B 21/05 20130101; A63B 2071/0063
20130101; A63B 2071/065 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
2220/17 20130101; A61B 2562/0252 20130101; A63B 2220/52 20130101;
A63B 21/005 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 21/008 20060101 A63B021/008; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055; A63B 21/062 20060101 A63B021/062; A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 21/005 20060101
A63B021/005; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. A force measurement device comprising: a. a base frame; b. a
motion dampening device having at least two ends, wherein a first
end is releasably engaged to the base frame, and wherein a second
end is releasably engaged to one or more moveable members; c. a
load cell in communication with the motion dampening device; and d.
a display in communication with the load cell, wherein the load
cell measures a force imparted by a user onto the one or more
moveable members, wherein the one or more moveable members transmit
the force to the motion dampening device, wherein the load cell
registers the force, and wherein the display depicts the registered
force.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base frame is a Smith
machine.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the base frame further comprises
two or more vertical members releasably engaged to the moveable
member, wherein the vertical members permit the selectively guided
movement of the one or more moveable members.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a
spring biased against the users force.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a
hydraulic assembly against the users force.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is a
pneumatic assembly biased against the users force.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion dampening device is an
electromagnetic assembly biased against the users force.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the load cell is disposed along a
length of the motion dampening device.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the load cell is releasably
engaged to the motion dampening device.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is suitably mounted
in view of the user.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is releasably
mounted to the base frame.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the base frame is a weighted
resistance machine.
13. A method for measuring the force imparted by a user onto an
exercise apparatus comprising the steps of: a. a user imparting a
force onto one or more moveable members; b. a motion dampening
device imparting a force substantially opposite the user force; c.
a load cell measuring the force imparted by the user; and d.
transmitting the force to a display, wherein the one or more
moveable members transmit the force to the motion dampening device,
wherein the load cell registers the force, and wherein the display
depicts the registered force.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising a base frame.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the motion dampening device has
a first and a second end, wherein the first end is releasably
engaged to the base frame, and wherein the second end is releasably
engaged to the one or more moveable members.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the base frame is a Smith
machine.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the base frame further
comprises two or more vertical members releasably engaged to the
moveable member, wherein the vertical members permit the
selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable
members.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the load cell is disposed along
a length of the motion dampening device.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the display is suitably
positioned in view of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/314,690 filed on Mar. 29, 2016, entitled
"Force Measuring Exercise Device" the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of exercise
machines and more specifically to the field of exercise machines
with incorporated analytics instruments.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Physical fitness and health concerns are among the areas of
highest concern among American today. More than ever, people are
frequenting health clubs and performing exercise routines at home
in order to lose weight, improve muscle tone and maintain a healthy
lifestyle. Many people resort to bench press style or squat style
machines to work out arm and leg muscles respectively. Since these
machines typically rely on lifting of dead weight, spotters are
recommended for safety when working near the upper limit of the
participant's ability. Should the user stay well below such weight
limits, the maximum workout benefit is never realized. Accordingly,
there exists a need for a means by which users of bench press style
and squat style exercise equipment can safely determine their
maximum weight limits without the disadvantages as described above.
The use of the force measuring exercise device provides users the
ability to determine their maximum workout limits for bench press
and squat exercise routines in a manner that is not only quick,
easy, and effective, but safe as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A force measurement device comprises a motion dampening
device with at least two ends. A first end is releasably engaged to
a base frame and a second is releasably engaged to one or more
moveable members. A load cell is in communication with the motion
dampening device and a display is in communication with the load
cell. The load cell measures a force imparted by a user onto the
one or more moveable members and the one or more moveable members
transmit the force to the motion dampening device. The load cell
registers the force and the display depicts the registered
force.
[0007] In an embodiment, the base frame is a Smith machine. The
base frame further comprises two or more vertical members
releasably engaged to a moveable member. The vertical members
permit the selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable
members.
[0008] In an embodiment, motion dampening device may be spring
biased, a hydraulic assembly, a pneumatic assembly, an
electromagnetic assembly, or similar biased assembly against the
users force.
[0009] In an embodiment, the load cell is disposed long a length of
the motion dampening device.
[0010] In an embodiment, the load cell is releasably engaged to the
motion dampening device.
[0011] A method for measuring the force imparted by a user onto an
exercise apparatus comprising the steps of a user imparting a force
onto one or more moveable members. A motion dampening device
imparts a force substantially opposite the user force. A load cell
measuring the force imparted by the user and transmitting the force
to a display. The one or more moveable members transmit the force
to the motion dampening device. The load cell registers the force
and the display depicts the registered force.
[0012] In an embodiment, the motion dampening device of the method
has a first and second end. The first end is releasably engaged to
the base frame and the second end is releasably engaged to the one
or more moveable members.
[0013] In an embodiment the base frame is a Smith machine. The base
frame further comprises two or more vertical members releasably
engaged to the moveable member. The vertical member permit the
selectively guided movement of the one or more moveable
members.
[0014] In an embodiment of the method, the load cell is disposed
along a length of the motion dampening device while the display is
suitably positioned in view of the user.
[0015] The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the
invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the
accompanying drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings briefly described as follows.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the exercise force
measuring device, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the exercise force
measuring device, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the electronics
enclosure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional electrical diagram of the exercise
weight limit determination device, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the exercise weight
limit determination device, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the exercise weight
limit determination device in a squat configuration, according to
an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a weight limit determination
method, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their
advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-7, wherein
like reference numerals refer to like elements. The invention is
not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in
the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the
invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of
the invention and that any such work around will also fall under
the scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and
configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated
into the teachings of the present invention, and only one
particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes
of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of
scope.
[0025] In an embodiment, a base frame 15 is anchored to a surface.
Herein, a base frame refers to an exercise apparatus as known in
the art. A Smith machine is a preferred embodiment of the base
frame 15. A first end 81 of a motion dampening device 80 is in
communication with the base frame. A second end 82 of the motion
dampening device is connected to a movable base frame 50. The
motion-dampening device 80 is variably biased to prevent motion of
the moveable base frame 50. In use, as the moveable base frame 80
travels along path t.sub.4, the motion-dampening device 80 imparts
increasing resistance onto the moveable base frame. The base frame
and moveable base frame may be structured as part of an exercise
machine. A load cell 75, such as a resistance strain gauge, is in
communication with the motion-dampening device 80. Power is routed
through a pair of resistors 130 before passing to the load cell 75.
The resultant current readings are converted by the load cell 75
transmitted 135. A display 110 shows the force output by the user
in a number of adjustable settings. The display shows an output
force directly proportional to the force output by the user.
[0026] In an embodiment, an electrical resistance strain gauge is
used. The electrical resistance strain gauge varies in resistance
as force is exerted thereon. This allows for accurate real-time
monitoring of force output to be shown on the display.
[0027] An exercise device may include friction machines,
spring-loaded machines, fan loaded machines, hydraulic equipment,
pneumatic exercise equipment, weight machine, machines using
flexibly biased members, or any other exercise machine which has a
means for imparting resistance on a user. Further, weight machines,
described in this application as a base frame 15, may include, a
Smith machine, bench press, squat machine, leg press, curl machine,
and other resistance-based exercise machine.
[0028] In an embodiment, the force determining exercise device
comprises a motion dampening device having a first end and second
end, wherein the first end is releasably engaged to a base frame. A
second end is releasably engaged to one or more selectively guided
moveable members. The selectively guided moveable members are in
communication with the base frame and allows for selectively guided
movement once force is exerted onto it by the user. As the user
moves the selectively guided moveable member the force exerted in a
substantially opposite direction as the users force.
[0029] In an embodiment, an exercise the motion dampening device
may be configured to exert a force bi-directionally. The imposition
of resistance may occur in each direction. The speed of the
selectably guided moveable member not limited by the device but
only by the maximum force exerted by the user.
[0030] In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the device and force
measurement system are depicted in communication with a Smith
machine. The Smith machine is comprised of a base frame 15 that
stabilizes the movement of a moveable member 65 during use. In the
Smith machine embodiment, a moveable member 65, in this embodiment
a barbell, is releasably coupled to two or more vertical members
18. The vertical members 18 allow for the selectively guided
movement of the moveable member 65 along the vertical members 18. A
motion-dampening device 80, having at least two ends, has a first
end 81 releasably engaged to the base frame 15 by a fastener. A
second end 82 of the motion-dampening device 80 is releasably
engaged to the moveable member 65. A load cell 75, for example a
resistance strain gauge or likewise means for measuring force
exerted, is in communication with the motion dampening device 80,
such that as a user exerts a force on the moveable member 65, in
this embodiment a barbell, resulting in the barbells' selectively
guided movement along the vertical members 18, the force is
measured by the load cell 75 and transmitted to a display 110. The
display 110 is positioned on the base frame 15 such that the user
may view the force being exerted in real-time throughout the
exercise.
[0031] In use of the preferred embodiment of a Smith Machine, a
user suitably positions themselves to exert a force on the
releasably engaged barbell. A method for weight limit determination
is described in FIG. 7. In step 10, the user imparts a force in a
direction substantially similar to travel direction T.sub.4 71. In
step 15 the motion-dampening device 80 imparts a force in a
substantially opposite direction to the users force and opposite
travel path T.sub.4 71. In step 20, the change in resistance is
measured by the load cell 75, which is transmitted as a force
output to the display 110 in step 25. The display is in view of the
user throughout the exercise and shows the real-time force output
of the user throughout one or more repetitions of the exercise. In
an embodiment, each repetition as well as each change in force
during each repetition is displayed to the user.
[0032] In an embodiment, the digital display is releasably mounted
to the exercise apparatus allowing the user to move the digital
display such that it is visible during various exercises.
[0033] In an embodiment, an isometric exercise machine is used. Any
suitably rigid material may be used that is capable of being
slightly deformed within its elastic limit when a force is imparted
by a user. When the user imparts a force on the suitably rigid
member, a bending beam strain gauge in communication with the
suitably rigid member analyzes the force output by the user. The
suitably rigid member may include any suitable gripping surface, or
additional gripping member.
[0034] In an embodiment, the user may utilize auxiliary exercise
equipment in addition to the force measuring device and the base
frame, which it is in communication with. This auxiliary equipment
may be a bench surface 30, additional elastic bands, balancing
equipment, medicine balls, exercise balls, or others known in the
art.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the electronics
enclosure 85, as used with the device 10, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronics
enclosure 85 includes a housing 100 envisioned to be manufactured
of plastic or metal. The face of the housing 100 is provided with a
power switch 105 and a digital display 100. The power switch 105 is
used to apply electrical power to the device 10 (as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2) in a customary manner. The digital display 110 is then
used to display the respective weight. A mode switch 115 allows the
user to select between display of pounds or kilograms depending on
the desired usage. Finally, a memory switch 120 allows the user to
retrieve past saved readings for historical purposes.
[0036] The digital display 110 shows the force output by the user.
As the user completes the exercise, a maximum output force will be
displayed in pounds, kilograms, or other units as selected by the
user. In an embodiment, the force output is shown in real-time, so
that the user known how much force they are exerting at a given
time.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a functional electrical diagram of the
device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is depicted. Electrical power is provided by a direct
current power source 125 such as a user replaceable battery or a
wall mounted DC power supply. Power application to the electrical
circuit is controlled by the power switch 105. Power is then routed
through a pair of resistors 130 before being passed to the load
cell 75, in this embodiment a bending beam strain gauge. Resultant
current readings are then converted by a strain gauge transmitter
135 before passing to a computer based controller 140. The
computer-based controller 140 is envisioned as a manufacturer
programmable microcontroller such as Arduino, basic stamp module,
programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like. The mode switch
115 and the memory switch 120 provide user selectable inputs to the
computer-based controller 140 thus allowing the appropriate readout
upon the digital display 110.
[0038] In an embodiment, a digital processor comprises a stored
program means for retaining methods for at least one of a standard
magnitude of force to be exerted by a user, a standard magnitude of
force to be exerted by a user, and a standard number of repetitions
of cyclical force exertion by the user. Any one or combination of
the above-mentioned methods may be used to display corresponding
exercise force, repetition, and magnitude data to the user.
[0039] In reference to FIG. 5, a front view of the exercise weight
limit determination device in a bench press configuration,
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is
depicted. The device 10 includes a base frame 15 designed for
resting on a floor surface 20 such as the floor of a home or gym.
Such a device 10 may preferably be based off of a typical or
conventional gym equipment, such as a Smith machine, or other
weight lifting apparatus. The floor surface 20 is approximately
eighteen inches (18 in.) wide and forty-four inches (44 in.) long.
A series of four (4) rubber feet 25 (only three (3) of which are
shown due to illustration limitations) provide isolation and
protection against damage. A padded bench surface 30 is supported
by two (2) removable legs 35. It is envisioned that the removable
legs 35 are held in place by a friction fit. It is removed by
lifting upward as shown by a travel path t.sub.1 40. A travel path
t.sub.1 40 is located at the top of the base frame 15 and extends
upward for a distance of approximately forty-eight inches (48 in.).
The travel path t.sub.1 40 is permanently attached to the base
frame 15 by bolting or welding. A movable base frame 50 is attached
to the upper portion of the main vertical frame 45 by means of a
pivot point 55. A "U"-shaped frame 60 complete with two (2) handle
grips 65 is provided at proximal end of the movable base frame 50.
The movable base frame 50, the "U"-shaped frame 60, and the handle
grips 65 move along a travel path t.sub.2 70, as propelled by a
user performing a conventional bench press exercise routine.
Resistance against said motion along the travel path t.sub.2 70 is
provided by a bending beam stain gauge 75 and a motion-dampening
device 80. It is envisioned that the motion dampening device 80
would be of a spring and cable style device as shown, however types
of resistance dampening device such as pneumatic based, hydraulic
based, or even weight based could be utilized with equal
effectiveness, and as such, any particular type or style of motion
dampening device 80 should not be interpreted as a limiting factor
of the present invention. Finally, an electronic enclosure 85 is
located atop the main vertical frame 45 where it can be easily
viewed by a user. Further detail on the electronics enclosure 85
will be provided herein below.
[0040] In reference to FIG. 6, a front view of the device 10
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed. In said configuration, the padded bench surface 30 (as
shown in FIG. 5) and the removable legs 35 (as shown in FIG. 5) are
removed. In its place, a floor support member 90 is placed upon the
base frame 15. The floor support member 90 is provided with two (2)
support feet 95 at its outer ends. All other actions and function
of the device 10 remain in place and perform as described in FIG.
1. The configuration of FIG. 6 allows the user to perform squat
exercises by standing on the floor support member 90 and pushing
upward on the U-shaped frame 60 and handle grips 65 along the
travel path t.sub.2 70. Resistance to such movement is provided by
the load cell 75, such as a bending beam strain gauge and displayed
in a digital format upon the electronics enclosure 85. This allows
the user to determine the amount of force or subject weight that
can be safely utilized without the dangers associated with actual
weight or machine generated force. The user may continue exercise
routines upon the device 10 with improved weight level workouts
over time, or may take the knowledge afforded by the electronics
enclosure 85 and safely use other workout machines.
[0041] In an embodiment, resistance is provided by a motion
dampening device 80 such as a spring, hydraulic, or likewise
component against the users movement. As the user applies force to
the spring or hydraulic, the resistance device exerts a force back
onto the user, until equalization of maximum forces occurs and the
user can no longer compress the resistance device. The
motion-dampening device 80 is biased towards the user and onto the
moveable base frame, the bias force increases as the user pushes
along travel path t.sub.2 70. This force is measured by a load cell
75, or other means of force measurement known in the art. Once the
force has been measured, the users maximum output is displayed by
the digital display 110 shown in FIG. 3. The device 10 may be
designed to facilitate the use of a tension spring, compression
spring, or other resistance-imparting device as known in the
art.
[0042] In alternate embodiments which utilize different exercise
machines, the motion dampening device exerts a force onto the
member in contact and under force exerted by the user.
[0043] The common user can utilize an embodiment of the present
invention in a simple and effortless manner with little or no
training. It is envisioned that the device 10 would be constructed
in general accordance with FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. After procurement
of the device 10 it would be set upon a suitable floor surface 20
as found in a home or gym environment. The user would then select
to use the device 10 in either a bench press configuration (as
shown in FIG. 5), or a squat configuration (as shown in FIG. 6).
The user would insert the padded bench surface 30 and removable
legs 35 for bench press use or the floor support member 90 for
squat use. The user would then turn on the power switch 105 and
select the proper operating mode via the mode switch 115. At this
point the device 10 is ready for use.
[0044] During the use of the device 10, the user would simply
perform either bench press motions or squat motions in a
conventional manner. As the user exerts a force onto the motion
dampening device, the force will be transformed to a unit of weight
that will be digitally displayed. Every effort should be made to
provide the maximum but safe exertion level such that a proper
measurement can be made. Upon completion of such exercises, the
user can simply read off the maximum safe lifting level or weight
on the digital display 110. Said levels can be stored in the
computer-based controller 140 for later recall. At this point in
time, the power switch 105 would be turned off. Such actions could
be repeated in a circular manner at any time.
[0045] In an embodiment, the user may perform multiple repetitions
of the exercise. In turn, the force exerted during each repetition
is saved in a memory of the device. After the exercise is complete,
the user may then cycle through each previously performed
repetition to analyze force output over each individual repetition.
In this manner, the user can determine a maximum load for a single
repetition, as well as maximum load over varying intervals of time
and/or repetitions.
[0046] The invention has been described herein using specific
embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that
the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways.
Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in
scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as
being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.
* * * * *