Portable lightweight home and travel gym

• US 6,612,170 B2
• Filed: 03/26/2001
• Issued: 09/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas D. Brown
• Original Assignee: Thomas D. Brown
• Inventors: Brown, Thomas D.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOORI, MAX H
• Application Number:
  US09/816,105
• Publication Number:
  US 20020055424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 890 Days
• Field of Search: 733/790.1, 733/790.8, 733/790.6, 733/790.9, 733/79--81, 482/10, 482/6, 482/123, 482/91, 482/92, 482/51, 482/52, 482/1, 482/70, 482/57, 482/111, 482/120, 482/38, 482/131, 482/96, 482/134, 482/135, 482/94, 280/252
• US Class Current: 73/379.06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0023 for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• 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 2220/51 Force
• 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 23/12 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 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances

Abstract

An isometric exercise apparatus includes a platform and a strap/cable/pulley system. A load cell or strain gauge type sensor is positioned beneath the platform and is attached to and stressed by the strap/cable/pulley system when a user performs an isometric exercise function. An LED readout module is electrically connected to the cell and is programmed to display the stress on the cell as pounds or kilograms of lifted weight.

Claims

1. An isometric exercise apparatus comprising:

a platform having an upper planar surface, a lower planar surface, a first end and a second end, said platform adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface;

legs disposed on said lower planar surface, whereby said lower planar surface is spaced above said supporting surface;

a first slot formed through said platform adjacent said first end, said first slot extending through said upper planar surface and said lower planar surface;

a second slot formed through said platform adjacent said second end, said second slot extending through said upper planar surface and said lower planar surface;

a first pulley, said first pulley disposed in said first slot for rotation therein;

a second pulley, said second pulley disposed in said second slot for rotation therein;

a pair of wire cables, each cable of said pair having a first end and a second end, and wherein each cable of said pair extends beneath said lower planar surface and across a respective one of said first pulley and said second pulley and through a respective one of said first slot and said second slot; and

means positioned adjacent said lower planar surface and attached to said pair of wire cables for measuring an effect of an isometric exercise.

2. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, including a pair of lifting straps, each strap of said pair having a lower end and an upper end, wherein the lower end of each strap is attached to a respective first end of each cable.

3. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 2, including a lifting member, said lifting member attached to said pair of lifting straps at each respective upper end.

4. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said lifting member is an exercise bar.

5. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said lifting member is a harness.

6. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said lifting ember comprises a pair of handles.

7. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said measuring means includes a load cell disposed adjacent said lower planar surface of said platform and a readout device connected to said load cell.

8. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said load cell is a S-type load cell.

9. The isometric exercise apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said load cell is a pressure-responsive load cell.