Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods

• US 9,616,276 B2
• Filed: 02/09/2016
• Issued: 04/11/2017
• 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 L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Donnelly, Jerome W
• Application Number:
  US15/019,088
• Publication Number:
  US 20160158592A1
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 482 97, 482100, 482 67
• 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, the strength training apparatus includes a base member and a tower structure coupled with the base member. At least one arm is pivotally coupled with the tower structure. A flywheel and a cable and pulley system are associated with the at least one arm, wherein displacement of at least one cable of the cable and pulley system effects rotation of the flywheel. The strength training apparatus may include a selectively adjustable magnetic braking mechanism associated with a flywheel that is configured to apply a selected resistance to the rotation of the flywheel. A torque sensor may be associated with the flywheel and the measured torque during operation of the apparatus may be used to calculate the work expended in rotating the flywheel. In one embodiment, the calculated work may be expressed in units of watts.

Claims

1. A strength training apparatus, comprising:

a base member;

a tower structure coupled to the base member;

at least one arm coupled to the tower structure;

a pulley being coupled to the at least one arm;

a cable extending through the pulley;

a handle coupled to a first end of the cable;

a flywheel connected to the tower structure;

a magnetic braking mechanism that resists movement of the flywheel; and

a console in communication with the magnetic braking mechanism;

wherein displacement of the handle results in rotation of the flywheel.

2. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, further including a biasing member that returns the handle without causing rotation of the flywheel.

3. The strength training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the biasing member is in communication with a sprocket, and the cable extends through the sprocket.

4. The strength training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sprocket is displaceable relative to the tower structure when the handle is pulled.

5. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is pivotally coupled to the tower structure.

6. The strength training apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one arm is movable with respect to the tower structure to position the handle at multiple locations with respect to the tower structure.

7. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, further including a torque sensor proximate the flywheel.

8. The strength training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the console is configured to provide an indication of an amount of work upon rotation of the flywheel.

9. The strength training apparatus of claim 7, wherein the console further includes an input for selecting an amount of resistance applied by the magnetic braking mechanism to the flywheel.

10. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cable includes a second end that is fixed to the tower structure.

11. The strength training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cable is in communication with a drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is attached to a shaft supporting the flywheel through a drive belt.

12. The strength training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism includes an input shaft and an output shaft.

13. The strength training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the input shaft is rotational in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, and the output shaft is rotational in just the first direction.

14. A strength training apparatus, comprising:

a base member;

a tower structure couple to the base member;

at least one arm coupled to the tower structure;

a pulley being coupled to the at least one arm;

a cable extending through the pulley;

a handle coupled to a first end of the cable;

a flywheel connected to the tower structure;

a magnetic braking mechanism that resists movement of the flywheel;

a console in communication with the magnetic braking mechanism; and

a drive mechanism in communication with the cable, the drive mechanism further including;

an input shaft;

a concentric output shaft disposed within the input shaft;

wherein the drive mechanism is in communication with the flywheel through a drive belt;

wherein the input shaft is rotational in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, and the concentric output shaft is rotational in just the first direction;

wherein displacement of the handle results in rotation of the flywheel.

15. The strength training apparatus of claim 14, wherein the cable includes a second end that is fixed to the tower structure.

16. The strength training apparatus of claim 14, further a biasing member that returns the handle without causing rotation of the flywheel.

17. The strength training apparatus of claim 16, wherein the biasing member is in communication with a sprocket that supports a portion of the cable.

18. The strength training apparatus of claim 17, wherein the sprocket is displaceable relative to the tower structure when the handle is pulled.

19. The strength training apparatus of claim 14, further including:

a torque sensor proximate the flywheel;

wherein the console is configured to provide an indication of an amount of work performed upon rotation of the flywheel.

20. A strength training apparatus, comprising:

a base member;

a tower structure couple to the base member;

at least one arm coupled to the tower structure;

a pulley being coupled to the at least one arm;

a cable extending through the pulley;

the cable includes a second end that is fixed to the tower structure;

a handle coupled to a first end of the cable;

a flywheel connected to the tower structure;

a magnetic braking mechanism that resists movement of the flywheel;

a console in communication with the magnetic braking mechanism;

a drive mechanism in communication with the cable, the drive mechanism further including;

an input shaft;

a output shaft disposed within the input shaft;

a biasing member that returns the handle without causing rotation of the flywheel;

a sprocket that supports a portion of the cable is in communication with the biasing member; and

the sprocket is displaceable relative to the tower structure when the handle is pulled;

wherein the drive mechanism is in communication with the flywheel through a drive belt;

wherein the input shaft is rotational in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction, and the output shaft is rotational in just the first direction;

wherein displacement of the handle results in rotation of the flywheel.