U.S. patent number 3,767,195 [Application Number 04/803,820] was granted by the patent office on 1973-10-23 for programmed bicycle exerciser.
Invention is credited to Keene Paul Dimick.
United States Patent |
3,767,195 |
Dimick |
October 23, 1973 |
PROGRAMMED BICYCLE EXERCISER
Abstract
Exercise apparatus in the form of a stationary bicycle in which
the torque load on the pedals is adjusted through a predetermined
cycle of operation by a servo motor applying a friction load to a
flywheel driven by the pedals. A control loop includes a bridge
circuit, coupled to the servo motor, sensitive to the amount of
torque presently being applied by the servo motor and the control
loop adjusts torque to a reference setting provided by a
programming device. This device includes series connected resistors
which are scanned by a moving contact coupled to a clock motor to
provide for variation of torque load on the pedals.
Inventors: |
Dimick; Keene Paul (Santa Rosa,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
25187519 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/803,820 |
Filed: |
March 3, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/5; 73/862.18;
482/64; 600/587; 73/379.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
5/221 (20130101); A63B 24/00 (20130101); A63B
21/225 (20130101); A63B 2220/51 (20130101); A63B
21/015 (20130101); A63B 22/0605 (20130101); A63B
2220/17 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
5/22 (20060101); A63B 24/00 (20060101); A63B
21/012 (20060101); A63B 22/08 (20060101); A63B
21/015 (20060101); A63B 22/06 (20060101); A63b
021/24 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/73,69 ;73/134,379
;124/2.05 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Aerobics, Kenneth H. Cooper, 1968..
|
Primary Examiner: Oechsle; Anton O.
Assistant Examiner: Shapiro; Paul E.
Claims
I claim:
1. Exercise apparatus for use by a human being comprising, pedal
means adapted for rotation by said human being, means for loading
said pedal means with a torque load including a servo-motor to
consume said human being's energy, means for controlling said
loading means to automatically provide at least three different
successive torque loads of sequentially increasing magnitude, such
controlling means forming a control loop and including electrical
bridge means having two legs, one leg having first potentiometer
means programmed to provide three reference voltages corresponding
to said torque loads, the other leg having second potentiometer
means coupled to said loading means and responsive to said torque
load to produce a feedback voltage proportional thereto, said
bridge combining said feed-back and reference voltages to produce
an error signal, means for coupling said error signal to said
servo-motor whereby said torque load on said pedal means is
automatically controlled; and means included in said first leg for
varying said reference voltage for concurrently varying said three
torque loads by the same proportion.
2. Exercise apparatus for use by a human being comprising, pedal
means adapted for rotation by said human being, means for loading
said pedal means with a torque load to consume said human being's
energy, means for controlling said loading means to automatically
provide at least three different successive torque loads of
sequentially increasing magnitude, said means for controlling said
loading means including an electrical bridge having two legs one
leg having first potentiometer means having a first output terminal
with a predetermined voltage thereon and the other leg having
second potentiometer means having a second output terminal with a
voltage thereon determined by said torque load, said first
potentiometer means including a series string of resistors coupled
to segmented contacts to provide said different loads and in which
said first output terminal is a moving contact scanning said
segmented contacts to vary said torque load.
3. Exercise apparatus as in claim 2 together with means for
concurrently varying said three torque loads by the same
proportion, such means including potentiometer means in series with
said string of resistors.
4. Exercise apparatus as in claim 2 in which said segmented
contacts are arranged in a circular configuration to provide
cyclical operation of said means for controlling said loading
means.
5. Exercise apparatus as in claim 2 in which said segmented
contacts are in the form of parallelograms so that said moving
contact is in simultaneous contact with adjacent segmented contacts
during movement between contacts.
6. Exercise apparatus for use by a human being comprising, pedal
means adapted for rotation by said human being, means for loading
said pedal means with a torque load to consume said human being's
energy, means for controlling said loading means to automatically
provide at least three different successive torque loads of
sequentially increasing magnitude, and for providing a fourth
torque load at a predetermined time after said three loads of a
magnitude lower than any of said three loads, means for sensing the
rotary speed of said pedal means, means for indicating such rotary
speed whereby said pedal means may be rotated at a first constant
speed with said three different torque loads, indicating means
responsive to said means for controlling said loading means for
indicating a desired change to a higher second constant speed when
said fourth torque load is provided.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed in general to exercise apparatus
and more specifically to apparatus which automatically provides an
optimum exercise period both physiologically and
psychologically.
Exercise techniques in the past have been time consuming, boring,
inefficient, and many times ineffective. In addition where, for
example, a technique such as jogging or running is used, the
location and time of day available are often inconvenient.
Presently available exercise apparatus does not provide proper
motivation to the user and are on the whole ineffective for the
average person.
In any exercise program it is desirable to be able to start at a
level which will not dangerously exhaust the user and thereafter to
accurately measure progress in the program. This, of course, is an
important psychological incentive. Present programs and apparatus
do not provide a sufficient measure of progress except under
laboratory circumstances where, for example, actual oxygen
consumption is measured during exertion.
While running or jogging is believed to provide a cumulative
improvement in physical fitness which Kenneth H. Cooper in his book
Aerobics, (M. Evans and Co., 1968) terms the "training effect," it
is time consuming and inconvenient, especially in colder areas
where outside temperatures make running inadvisable, and may have a
low motivational quality for many persons. However, this "training
effect" is a desired goal in any exercise program since as stated
by Cooper it increases the efficiency of the lungs, increases the
efficiency of the heart in that in a conditioned person the heart
will pump at a slower rate for the same work or energy output, and
the training effect has other beneficial side effects.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved
exercise apparatus.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus which provides a scientifically maximum exercise benefit
within the minimum amount of time.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
exercise apparatus which motivates the user to improve his
progress.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus as above which is convenient and easy to use both in time
and in place.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus which produces the "training effect."
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus in which the progress of the user is easily measured.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus where the user's work level can be easily measured
whereby the user's maximal oxygen uptake can be calculated.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus which allows the user to maintain an identical work
effort from day to day.
It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise
apparatus which automatically provides interval training with
progressive overload.
In accordance with the above objects there is provided an exercise
apparatus to be used by a human being which comprises pedal means
adapted for rotation by the human being. The pedal means are loaded
with torque load to consume the human being's energy. Means
controlling the loading automatically provide a plurality of
different successive torque loads in time. Each of such loads is
separated by time periods of relatively low torque loads.
From another aspect the invention provides at least three different
successive torque loads of increasing magnitude.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A DRAWING
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an exercise apparatus partially cut
away and simplified embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified presentation of FIG. 1 including a circuit
schematic;
FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of the circuit schematic of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of apparatus used in conjunction with
the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a control panel used in conjunction with
the present invention; and
FIG. 6 is a graph useful in understanding the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an exercise bicycle
with only the essential portions shown including a drive sprocket
10 with pedals 11 and 11'. The sprocket is coupled to a flywheel 12
by a chain 13. Both the sprocket and flywheel are mounted on a
frame 14. A belt 16 extends around the flywheel and is in the form
of a continuous band which is fixed to a pulley 17 mounted on frame
14 at point 18. A cam 19 rides on belt 16 and is rotated by a
loading means 21 mounted on frame 14 to adjust tension in the belt.
Pulley 17 is biased in a counter-clockwise direction by a spring 22
having one end mounted to the pulley 17 and the other end to the
frame 14.
In operation the pedals 11 and 11' are loaded with a torque load by
adjusting the tension on belt 16 by means of roller 19 and loading
means 21. The greater the tension applied, the greater friction
force present on the surface of flywheel 12, and thus the greater
torque load present at the pedals 11. Concommitantly the greater
friction load on belt 16 causes the belt to tend to turn in the
direction shown by the arrows which rotate the pulley 17 in a
clockwise direction against the tension of spring 22. The greater
the friction or torque load applied to flywheel 12, the greater the
degree of rotation of pulley 17. Thus the angular movement or
position of pulley 17 is an indication of the amount of torque load
on pedals 11. As thus far described the exercise bicycle shown in
FIG. 1 is well known in the art and it is termed an ergometer. Load
adjusting device 21 would normally be a mechanical handwheel which
is adjusted by the user of the bicycle as he sits on its seat
pedalling.
In accordance with the invention there are provided means for
controlling the loading means 21 to automatically provide a
plurality of different successive torque loads in time. FIG. 2
illustrates such means which includes the elements of FIG. 1 where
loading means 21 is illustrated schematically now as a
servo-mechanism type motor. Power is coupled to a winding 23 from
V.sub.Line and a control winding 24 which is coupled to an
amplifier 26. Any output signal from amplifier 26 causes activation
of servo motor 21 to move cam 19 until such error signal is
eliminated or reduced to substantially zero.
More specifically, the control loop for motor 21 includes a bridge
circuit, generally indicated at 27, which is supplied a relatively
low AC voltage by a source 28. One leg 29 of the bridge includes a
programmed resistor 31 (which will be shown in greater detail in
FIG. 3) having a moving contact 32 which is driven by a clock
motor. In series with resistor 31 is a variable resistance means 30
designated "exercise level." The other leg 33 of the bridge 27
consists of a potentiometer 34 having a moving contact 35 which is
coupled by linkage 36 to pulley 17. As discussed previously, the
amount of angular rotation of pulley 17 is a measure of the torque
load being applied to flywheel 12. Linkage 36 senses this rotation
and moves moving contact 35 accordingly.
Bridge circuit 27 in operation causes a difference of potential to
appear across moving contacts 32 and 35 and thus at the input to
amplifier 26 when the moving contacts are not at the same relative
locations on their respective resistances 31 and 34. Of course in
the case of resistance 31 the exercise level adjustable resistor 30
would be theoretically included as a part of resistor 31. Thus the
location of moving contact 32 which is independently determined by
the clock motor (shown in FIG. 3) acts as a reference to which
moving contact 35 must ultimately be moved by the control which
includes amplifier 26, servo-mechanism motor 21, cam 19 and pulley
17, and linkage 36.
As moving contact 32 is moved upwardly toward "minimum work level,"
contact 35 will necessarily follow to thus cause cam 19 to release
much of its pressure on the belt 16. Thus friction is reduced on
flywheel 12 and there is a minimum work load or torque load on the
pedals 11 coupled to flywheel 12. Conversely, movement of the
moving contact 32 downwardly toward the "maximum work level"
produces a maximum tension in belt 16.
FIG. 3 is a more detailed diagram of FIG. 2 in which leg 29 of the
bridge circuit 27 includes a series string of program resistors 31
designated R1 through R9 and having values as indicated in ohms.
The values in parentheses at the junctions of the resistors
indicate the relative torque load (or work level assuming a
constant rotary speed) the present exercise apparatus is producing
when all of the resistors above that particular number in
parentheses are in the circuit. Thus, for example, where no
resistors are in the circuit the work level would theoretically be
(0) as is indicated at the very top of the drawing. The absolute
work levels as represented by the resistor string 31 are all
proportionately reduced by the exercise level variable resistance
or potentiometer means 30 which includes nine selectable resistors
R11 through R19, each of which has its value indicated in ohms. At
the contact side of each resistor, with which the moving contact
30' makes connection, there is indicated the relative percentage of
the absolute work level which is produced with the exercise level
switch in that particular position. Thus where moving contact 30'
is in the 100 percent position there is of course a direct
connection to the program resistors 31. The above absolute work
levels (which, of course, represent a 100 percent exercise level)
are chosen to provide a reasonable challenge for a well conditioned
athlete.
Series resistor string 31 is coupled to moving contact 32 via a
series of segmented contacts 41 designated 1 through 24 which are
coupled in various combinations to the resistor string 31 to
produce work levels as shown in FIG. 6. The 24 segmented contacts
41 represent the horizontal axis of the graph and the work level in
increments 1, 2, 3 and 4 the vertical axis. These work levels
correspond to those shown in parentheses on resistor string 31.
Thus, for example, when moving contact 32 is in contact with the
segment designated 16, the work level on the graph is 3.5 and this
corresponds to the location of the resistor string 31 to which the
segment is connected. The horizontal axis of the graph of FIG. 6
also represents time since moving contact 32 is driven by a clock
motor 42 at a predetermined and constant speed. Preferably this
speed is one revolution every 12 minutes which means that each time
period as shown in FIG. 6 represents 30 seconds.
In order to provide a continuous repeat of the cycle in which the
contacts 41 are utilized, such contacts are put in a circular band
as best shown in FIG. 4 on an insulating substrate 43. Each segment
is in the form of a parallelogram so that moving contact 32
momentarily (1 second) contacts two adjacent segments at the same
time while moving between contacts. This prevents the insertion of
an infinite resistance in the circuit which would tend to cause,
depending on system load, response, a transient heavy torque. On
the other hand, the simultaneous contact of two adjacent contacts
is not disturbing even though at this time resistance is reduced
(and torque load) due to the effective parallel connection. This is
so since, referring to FIG. 6, a change in load is already
occurring during most of the time periods.
A rotary arm 44 is coupled to clock motor 42 and driven at the
constant speed mentioned above. Moving contact 32 actually includes
a second branch 32', coupled by connector 45 which makes contact
with a "common" band, so labeled in FIGS. 3 and 4. The "common"
band is coupled through switch 47 as shown in FIG. 3 to the input
of amplifier 26. Switch 47 is shown in its "program" position where
the moving contact of bridge leg 29 is coupled to amplifier 26 and
has an "off" position to disconnect amplifier 26 and a "manual"
position where amplifier 26 is coupled to a manual load
potentiometer 48 which in essence substitutes for the leg 29 of the
bridge 27. This allows for manual adjustment of the specific work
level as an alternative to the automatic programmed adjustment
provided by the clock motor 42 and bridge leg 29.
Relay switch 49 provides for both complete shut-down and the
minimum work level. Switch 49 is in series with the power leads to
servo motor 23 (see FIG. 2) bridge power supply is also coupled to
V.sub.Line (not shown). Switch 49 is normally open until activated
into a closed condition by a coil 51 when a predetermined minimum
rotary speed is reached. Coil 51 is coupled to a tachometer 52
which receives an indication of the rotary speed of flywheel 12
from a pickup 53 (FIG. 2). Such a pickup is well known in the art
and may include, for example, a reed switch activated by a magnet
mounted on flywheel 12. In addition the tachometer 52 is well known
and may include a one shot multi-vibrator which receives the pulses
from the pickup 53 and then integrates such output of the
multivibrator to form an analog voltage of a magnitude
representative of the speed of the device.
Relay coil 51 closes switch 49 at a predetermined minimum speed to
complete the power circuits to bridge 27 and motor 23. This speed
is preferably from 15 to 18 R.P.M. and allows the user of the
exercise apparatus to start rotation of the pedals 11 before and
load is applied.
Tachometer 52 is coupled to R.P.M. indicator 54 to indicate to the
user his actual speed.
To provide an indication of the actual amount of work being done,
calories-per hour indicator 56 has an input from R.P.M. indicator
54 and in addition the torque load from pulley 17 which is coupled
to a potentiometer circuit 57 by linkage 36. These two inputs when
multiplied together provide an indication of work or energy
expended and are easily converted to calories per hour.
Clock motor 42 is energized from a voltage source designated
V.sub.Line through a switch 58 activated by a relay coil 59. One
side of coil 59 is coupled directly to one terminal of a source of
DC voltage, V.sub.DC ; its other side is coupled to a grounded
moving contact 62 which makes contact with a "clock power" band.
The negative terminal of the DC voltage source is initially coupled
to coil 59 through a start switch 61 and thereafter through the
"clock power" band coupled to the moving contact 62. This is best
shown in FIG. 4 where contact 62 is on the "clock power" band which
has a gap at 63 to provide an automatic stop after a cycle of
operation. Thus the start switch 61 serves to move the rotary arm
44 out of the stop location and thereafter rotation of the arm is
maintained to the end of that cycle by the "clock power" band. In
actual practice contact 62 is grounded through a shaft 71 on which
arm 44 is mounted for rotation.
The negative terminal of the DC voltage supply is also coupled by
start switch 61 through a ganged portion 47' of switch 47 which has
similar contacts. Normally with switch 47 in its "PROGRAM" position
the circuit is completed to relay coil 59. However in the "MANUAL"
position switch portion 47' couples, on a lead 50, the negative DC
potential to relay coil 51 when start switch 61 is closed. Switch
49 is closed due to +V.sub.DC on the on terminal of coil 51. If
manual load control 48 is now set to a minimum work level the
pedals of the exercise apparatus are easily operated to clear any
lock in the servo system. Thus switches 47 and 47' at a manual
setting in combination with start switch 61 provide a reset
function.
Now referring to FIG. 4 the innermost band designated "functions"
is segmented and coupled to ground through a moving contact 65.
Each segment may be coupled to a source of D.C. voltage in the same
manner as the "clock power" band. This allows a desired function to
be performed at the time at which the segment is scanned; for
example the segment labeled 100 R.P.M. turns on a light to indicate
that the user of the exercise apparatus should pedal at this speed
at this time. The segment labeled "Check Pulse" also turns on an
indicating light so that the user may check his pulse at that time
in the exercise program. Other function which are not shown could
also be accomplished such as turning on a cooling fan, etc.
The exercise apparatus of the present invention also includes as
illustrated in FIG. 3A a pulse rate indicator 64 which is coupled
to the user of the device by an earpiece 66 which senses the pulse
rate in the ear lobe which is processed and amplified by pulse rate
tachometer 67 and coupled into indicator 64. Such devices are well
known. A lead labeled "To Pulse Light" extends from the tachometer
67 to an indicator light which flashes at the prevailing pulse rate
of the user. Alternative techniques for observing pulse rate which
may be used in place of the earpiece are EKG and the finger
plethysmographic technique.
All of the indicators and controls of the exercise apparatus of the
present invention are placed on a convenient control panel 70 on
the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 5. Included on the control
panel is pulse rate indicator 64, revolutions per minute or crank
RPM indicator 54, calories per hour indicator 56, a 100 revolutions
per minute light, exercise level control 30' and a manual load
control 48. "Check Pulse" and "Pulse" light indicators are also on
the panel. In addition, to indicate the work level being required
by the exercise apparatus, the graph of FIG. 6 is converted to a
cutout 72 in polar coordinates and mounted for rotation by the
clock motor 42 on shaft 71. Index mark 73 indicates the present
work level depending on what part of cutout 72 is adajcent the
index mark. Control knob 74 provides the control functions of off,
manual and auto (PROG.) and is coupled to switches 47 and 47' of
FIG. 3. The start pushbutton is a portion of switch 61.
OPERATION
The initial use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention
should be at a relatively moderate exercise level of perhaps 20
percent of the maximum. Thus, the user would turn the exercise
level dial 30' to the 20 percent level. This is a relatively low
level with more typical levels being from 50 percent to 80 percent;
a top athlete as discussed above is at the 100 percent level.
Switch 74 is turned "automatic" and the start pushbutton pressed.
Cutout 72 begins to move and the exercise cycle begins.
Referring specifically now to FIG. 6, during the warm-up period the
torque load begins at the relative level of one and builds up to
two over a 2-minute time period which is indicated as exercise
periods 1-4. Speed should be maintained at 80 r.p.m. by observing
R.P.M. indicator 34. After the warm-up period is a rest period, 5
where the work level drops down to a relatively low value to give
the user a slight "breather."
The next phase is the test phase as indicated by time periods 5
through 10. At this time in response to activation of the "Check
Pulse" light, the pulse rate should be observed during the 9 to 10
time periods by looking at heart rate indicator 64. This will be an
indication of the progress made in the overall exercise program. If
the exercise apparatus of the present invention is used diligently
daily, the "training effect" as discussed above will occur which
will cause the heart rate to become slightly slower each day or
each week during the test period. If the rate drops below a certain
value, depending upon the physical condition of the user, then the
exercise level should be increased and the program gone through in
the same manner as before. In addition the maximal oxygen uptake
will increase. This is a well known reference standard of
cardiorespiratory fitness usually expressed as milliliters of
oxygen per kilogram of body weight multiplied by minutes. During
the test period the pulse rate is necessarily increased to balance
the amount of work being done. From this information (pulse rate
and work) and using weight, age, and sex of the user, it is
possible to estimate the maximal oxygen uptake. A method for such
estimation is described in an article by Dr. Astrand published in
J. Appl. Physiol. 7218 (1954) in the form of a series of tables.
These tables can be converted to a slide rule format to enable the
user of the apparatus of the present invention to easily calculate
his maximal oxygen uptake.
The next and most important phase of the exercise cycle are time
periods 11 through 20 designated cardiovascular stimulation. This
is the portion of the cycle which produces the "training effect"
and the concommitant increase in maximal oxygen uptake. What is
done here is that the bicycle pedals are programmed so that the
user rides over four imaginary hills in time periods 12, 14, 16 and
18, each hill being higher than the previous hill and requiring in
actual practice 30 seconds to climb to the tip. Between each of the
relatively high torque loads are rest or "breather" periods
designated 13, 15, and 17 which are at level one. These "breather"
intervals also enable the user to regain his oxygen balance if an
oxygen debt was incurred on the previous hill. To achieve a proper
"training effect" and improvement in maximal oxygen uptake the
exercise level should be set so that at least the "top hill" at
time period 18 produces some oxygen debt. However there should not
be a severe deprivation of oxygen. In addition the hill at time
period 16 may produce also some oxygen debt while the lowest hill
at time period 12 is low enough (2.5 relative work level) to allow
oxygen balance to be maintained. Thus in this manner motivation is
also maintained since the initial hill is not overly difficult or
impossible for the average user of the exercise device.
Following the last "hill" the work load is again decreased to a low
level in time periods 19 and 20. In time periods 21 and 22 a
kinesthetic training is provided where muscles and nerve ends are
stimulated by the slightly increased work load. At this time pedal
speed is increased to 100 R.P.M. and the "100 RPM" light is
illuminated. This increase of speed from 80 to 100 R.P.M. is
believed to enhance the kinesthetic training. The last two time
periods 23 and 24 are used for the remainder of the warm-down
period.
In addition to using the test periods 5-10 to estimate progress,
the pulse rate may also be observed at the peak of the hills and
recorded if desired. If a record is kept of these readings the
pulse rate should decrease as the "training effect" comes about. In
addition the pulse rate indicator 64 can be used to limit the
exercise level to, for example, a pulse rate below 150 beats per
minute depending upon the health and medical advice given the
particular person using the exercise apparatus.
Thus the present invention by use of the technique of successive
"hills" provides an effective mode of exercise, produces a
"training effect" and improvement in maximal oxygen uptake,
provides the user with a measure of progress by use of the test
periods, and by reason of the automation of the device provides an
easily used exercise apparatus.
* * * * *