SPEED CONTROLLED STRENGTH MACHINE

• US 20100144496A1
• Filed: 12/29/2009
• Published: 06/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/1996
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: David H. Schmidt
• Original Assignee: David H. Schmidt
• Inventors: Schmidt, David H.
• Granted Patent: US 8,333,681 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/70
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0038 One foot moving independently from the other, i.e. there is no link between the movements of the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0041 one hand moving independently from the other hand, i.e. there is no link between the movements of the hands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0068 Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
• 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 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00196 using pulsed counterforce, e.g. vibrating resistance means A61H1/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0058 using motors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/012 using frictional force-resisters electromagnetically-controlled brakes A63B21/0056
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/078 Devices for bench press exercises , e.g. supports, guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/153 wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/157 Ratchet-wheel links; Overrunning clutches; One-way clutches
• 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 22/0012 the exercises for arms and legs being functionally independent
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0017 the adjustment being controlled by movement of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 : the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 : with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0242 : with speed variation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 : performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/20 : using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/203 : in a horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/205 : in a substantially vertical plane, e.g. for exercising against gravity exercising for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a user's body weight A63B21/068; with adjustable inclination A63B22/0023
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 : Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 : Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 : Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 : Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 : Force
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 : Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 : Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• 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 23/1281 : primarily by articulating the elbow joint
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/06 : for rowing or sculling
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/16 : for cycling , i.e. arrangements on or for real bicycles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/182 : for cross-country-skiing A63B23/0417, A63B69/0022 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0054 : Features for injury prevention on an apparatus, e.g. shock absorbers mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping A63B6/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0619 : Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills

Abstract

A speed controlled strength machine is provided. The machine includes a frame and a number of support members. A driver is mounted to the frame and includes an adjustable speed controller. During exercise, the user engages grips/handles and pulls them via one-way clutches through the resistive movement of the driver. The clutches are engaged when the user is able to reach a predetermined speed, which is adjustable and controllable.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a driver mounted on said frame and having an adjustable speed controller for controlling a constant predetermined speed; and

at least one user engagable grip being coupled to said driver for resistive movement thereof through a one-way clutching mechanism whereby said mechanism engages said driver upon the user reaching said predetermined speed through actuation of said grip.

2. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said driver is a speed controlled motor.

3. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said speed controller includes a braking mechanism.

4. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said grip includes a free handle and cord that provides the user with a full range of motion during use.

5. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said grip is located at user adjustable heights and/or widths.

6. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said grip includes a handle on a rail, said grip further including a cord.

7. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 wherein said grip is located at user adjustable heights and/or widths.

8. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said grip is a linkage rotatably mounted to the frame, said grip further including a cord.

9. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said grip is located at user adjustable heights and/or widths.

10. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 4, 6, or 8 wherein said clutching mechanism includes a recoil for said cord.

11. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said speed is user adjustable.

12. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said speed is automatically adjusted based on the selected workout.

13. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a force measuring device for measuring the force output of the user.

14. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said speed is automatically adjusted based on input from the force measuring device.

15. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said force measuring device is a strain gauge.

16. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said force measuring device derives force output of the user by measuring the energy dissipated by said speed controller.

17. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a displacement measuring device to measure the displacement of the grip.

18. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said speed is automatically adjusted based on input from the displacement measuring device.

19. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including at least two grips positioned to allow the simultaneous exercise of opposing muscle groups.

20. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including display means for displaying at least one of speed, force applied, range of motion, number of repetitions, and past performance information.

21. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including display means capable of displaying an optimal force vs. displacement chart along with an actual force vs. displacement chart.

22. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including display means capable of displaying an optimal force output with an actual force output.

23. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including display (or voice) means capable of displaying user instructions including which exercise to perform.

24. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for adjusting grip speed during exercise to vary the perceived effort during a stroke.

25. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 24 where speed is varied by changing motor speed.

26. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 24 where said driver includes a conical shaped spindle.

27. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 24 where said driver includes a flat belt concentrically wrapped around a spindle.

28. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 13 including means for speeding up the driver when a predetermined force is exceeded.

29. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 19 including means for providing different speeds for each of the at least two grips.

30. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the different speeds are determined in response to input from said displacement measuring device.

31. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said means involves using multiple motors.

32. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said means involves using spindles with different diameters mounted on the drivers.

33. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 19 including means for varying the speed of the at least two grips throughout the range of motion to create complex projectile paths of the grips.

34. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 including instability means for causing the grips to vibrate.

35. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the frequency and/or magnitude of said vibration is user adjustable.

36. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the frequency and/or magnitude of said vibration is machine adjustable.

37. The exercise apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein a different frequency or magnitude of vibration can be supplied to each grip.