Strength training apparatus

• US 10,709,925 B2
• Filed: 05/06/2019
• Issued: 07/14/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IFIT Incorporated (Amynta Agency, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness Incorporated (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Inventors: Dalebout, William, Olson, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Lo, Andrew S
• Application Number:
  US16/404,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20190269958A1
• Time in Patent Office: 435 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0675 Input for modifying training controls during workout
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00076 on the fly, i.e. varying the resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00192 using resistance provided by magnetic means A63B21/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/005 using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0052 induced by electromagnets A63B21/0056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0056 using electromagnetically-controlled friction, e.g. magnetic particle brakes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0442 Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/151 Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4047 Pivoting movement weight pivoting A63B21/0615
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4049 Rotational movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/54 : Torque
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 : Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 : Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 : Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03533 : With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 : Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 : for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1218 : Chinning, pull-up, i.e. concentric movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1227 : Dips, i.e. push-ups in a vertical position, i.e. eccentric movement, e.g. between parallel bars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 : Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a strength training apparatus may include a tower, a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other at multiple angles relative to each other, a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm, a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley, a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm, a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley, a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable, and a control panel located on the tower.

Claims

1. A strength training apparatus comprising:

a tower;

a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other at multiple angles relative to each other;

a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm;

a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley;

a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm;

a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley;

a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable; and

a control panel located on the tower, the control panel including;

a processor and a memory configured to control a current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism,

an input device configured to allow the user to set the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, and

an output device configured to display the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism.

2. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first handle coupled to the first cable; and

a second handle coupled to the second cable.

3. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the processor and the memory are further configured to calculate an amount of power expended within a period of time by the user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable; and

the output device is further configured to display the calculated amount of power.

4. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to receive and store a physical fitness goal that is inputted by the user via the input device.

5. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to provide a customized workout routine for the strength training apparatus based on the stored physical fitness goal.

6. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to generate a schedule of upcoming customized workout routines for the strength training apparatus based on the stored physical fitness goal.

7. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to track progress of the user toward completing the stored physical fitness goal.

8. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to display on the output device a progress of the user toward completing the stored physical fitness goal.

9. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to display on the output device that the user has achieved the stored physical fitness goal when it is determined that the stored physical fitness goal has been achieved.

10. The strength training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to display videos on the output device that demonstrate how to use the strength training apparatus.

11. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to store information regarding past workout routines performed by the user on the strength training apparatus.

12. The strength training apparatus of claim 11, wherein:

the stored information regarding the past workout routines includes a most recent level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism; and

the processor and the memory are further configured to suggest that the user begin an upcoming workout routine at the stored most recent level of resistance.

13. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to track an amount of time that the user used the strength training apparatus.

14. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor and the memory are further configured to receive from the user, and store, an age of the user, a height of the user, and a weight of the user.

15. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control panel further includes a connection for communication with another device.

16. The strength training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the connection includes a radio communication link.

17. The strength training apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an application program configured to be loaded on the other device.

18. The strength training apparatus of claim 17, wherein the application program is configured to:

display information regarding past workout routines performed by the user on the strength training apparatus; and

display a schedule of customized workout routines for the strength training apparatus based on a stored physical fitness goal that was inputted by the user.

19. A strength training apparatus comprising:

a tower;

a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other to be selectively positioned at multiple angles relative to each other;

a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm;

a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley;

a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm;

a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley;

a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable; and

a control panel located on the tower, the control panel including;

a processor and a memory configured to control a current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, the processor and the memory further configured to calculate an amount of power expended within a period of time by the user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable,

an input device configured to allow the user to set the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, and

an output device configured to display the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, the output device further configured to display the calculated amount of power.

20. A strength training apparatus comprising:

a tower;

a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other to be selectively positioned at multiple angles relative to each other;

a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm;

a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley;

a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm;

a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley;

a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable; and

a control panel located on the tower, the control panel including;

a processor and a memory configured to control a current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, the processor and the memory further configured to receive and store a physical fitness goal that is inputted by the user via the input device, the processor and the memory further configured to provide a customized workout routine for the strength training apparatus based on the stored physical fitness goal,

an input device configured to allow the user to set the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism, and

an output device configured to display the current level of resistance provided by the magnetic mechanism.