Exercise machine and method for use in training selected muscle groups
First Claim
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1. An exercise machine, comprising:
- (a) a frame;
(b) a first crank mounted rotatably on said frame for multiple rotations about an axis of rotation with respect to said frame;
(c) a first adjustable brake mechanism, arranged to provide during each of said multiple rotations a first selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a first predetermined angular sector of each of said rotations of said first crank, and arranged to provide during each of said rotations a different second selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a second predetermined angular sector of each of said rotations of said first crank;
(d) a brake sensor associated with said first adjustable brake mechanism and arranged to detect and evaluate said amounts of resistance to rotation being applied to said first crank by said first adjustable brake mechanism;
(e) a position sensor arranged to sense and provide an indication of an angular position of said first crank during each of said rotations at times when said brake sensor detects said amounts of resistance; and
(f) a controller arranged to receive a plurality of input signals and to cause said first adjustable brake mechanism to regulate said resistance to rotation of said first crank in response to each of said plurality of input signals, and wherein said controller periodically computes a total amount of rotation of said first crank during a period of use of said exercise machine and causes said first adjustable brake mechanism to adjust said resistance to rotation of said first crank in response to a predetermined total amount of rotation.
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Abstract
An exercise machine and a method for its use in training selected muscle groups by controlled use of brakes to resist crank movement adjustably at specific and adjustable controlled positions in the rotation of a crank. A control system may be incorporated to cause brake mechanisms to apply varying amounts of resistance to a pair of pedal-driven cranks to simulate the efforts required to ride an actual bicycle over a course including various upslopes and down-slopes.
88 Citations
37 Claims
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1. An exercise machine, comprising:
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(a) a frame; (b) a first crank mounted rotatably on said frame for multiple rotations about an axis of rotation with respect to said frame; (c) a first adjustable brake mechanism, arranged to provide during each of said multiple rotations a first selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a first predetermined angular sector of each of said rotations of said first crank, and arranged to provide during each of said rotations a different second selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a second predetermined angular sector of each of said rotations of said first crank; (d) a brake sensor associated with said first adjustable brake mechanism and arranged to detect and evaluate said amounts of resistance to rotation being applied to said first crank by said first adjustable brake mechanism; (e) a position sensor arranged to sense and provide an indication of an angular position of said first crank during each of said rotations at times when said brake sensor detects said amounts of resistance; and (f) a controller arranged to receive a plurality of input signals and to cause said first adjustable brake mechanism to regulate said resistance to rotation of said first crank in response to each of said plurality of input signals, and wherein said controller periodically computes a total amount of rotation of said first crank during a period of use of said exercise machine and causes said first adjustable brake mechanism to adjust said resistance to rotation of said first crank in response to a predetermined total amount of rotation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 19)
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10. An exercise machine comprising:
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(a) a frame; (b) a first crank mounted rotatably on said frame for multiple rotations about an axis of rotation with respect to said frame; (c) a first adjustable brake mechanism, arranged to provide during each of said multiple rotations a first selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a first predetermined angular sector of said rotation of said first crank, and arranged to provide during each said rotation a different second selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a second predetermined angular sector of said rotation of said first crank; (d) a brake sensor associated with said first adjustable brake mechanism and arranged to detect and evaluate said amounts of resistance to rotation being applied to said first crank by said first adjustable brake mechanism; (e) a position sensor arranged to sense and provide an indication of an angular position of said first crank during said rotation at a time when said brake sensor detects said amounts of resistance; and (f) a controller arranged to cause said first adjustable brake mechanism to provide a controlled amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank in addition to said first and second selected amounts of resistance during an exercise session to require a predetermined amount of pedaling effort so as to simulate pedaling effort required for riding a bicycle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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18. An exercise machine, comprising:
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a frame; (b) a first crank mounted rotatably on said frame for multiple rotations about an axis of rotation with respect to said frame; (c) a first adjustable brake mechanism, arranged to provide during each of said multiple rotations a first selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a first predetermined angular sector of said rotation of said first crank, and arranged to provide during each said rotation a different second selected amount of resistance to rotation of said first crank with respect to said frame as said first crank is moved through a second predetermined angular sector of said rotation of said first crank; (d) a brake sensor associated with said first adjustable brake mechanism and arranged to detect and evaluate said resistances to rotation being applied to said first crank by said first adjustable brake mechanism; (e) a position sensor arranged to sense and provide an indication of an angular position of said first crank during said rotation at a time when said brake sensor detects said resistances; and
including(f) a controller, and wherein said first adjustable brake mechanism is controlled by said controller to provide resistance to rotation of said first crank simulating reaction to forces used by a runner in taking a step. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification