JP2007508115A - Movement resistance system - Google Patents

Abstract

A resistance set for an exercise tool such as a barbell or an exercise machine has at least three different resistance values. In one embodiment, the resistance is a horizontally distributed weight. Weights include one or more 5 pound weights, one or more 10 pound weights, one or more 20 pound weights, one or more 40 pound weights, and one or more 80 pound weights, It can have a binary distribution of resistance. A selection device is used to select various combinations of weights to obtain the desired total resistance. In one embodiment, the control device operates the selection device to change the weight in response to a predetermined condition, such as a temporary muscular malfunction, or the occurrence of a manual change wait signal. The resistance set is particularly useful for simplifying automatic control of weight stacks and retrofitting existing machines and tools.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications None.
Statement on research or development with federal assistance Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise equipment that can impart varying workload.

  It is known that in order to get the maximum benefit, a training athlete must drive himself to the fullest extent. This is difficult to achieve using conventional weight training equipment such as bench press machines or other general purpose or special purpose machines. This is because, in general, athletes have so far stopped exercising when they reach the first point of temporary muscle dysfunction (MMF). At that time, the athlete must either change the weight of the machine in use himself or another person must change the weight for the athlete so that the athlete can continue to use the machine. This requires that the exercise be interrupted unnecessarily, or that another non-exercising partner is always on the side. If an athlete can experience multiple MMFs during a set of specific exercises, the athlete will eventually reach his absolute fatigue point (AFP). However, with conventional exercise equipment, it is very difficult or impossible to reach the AFP due to the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  Consider the case of an athlete lifting a 120 pound while doing a bench press. In this exercise, direct resistance is applied to the pectoral and anterior deltoid muscles. Soon, for example, after only 10 iterations have been completed, the athlete can no longer perform further iterations. As a direct consequence, athletes continue to exercise at lower weights and eventually move even if their AFP (AFP is as low as 10% of the weight the athlete started) The exercise is discontinued despite being able to reach (which cannot occur). At this point, the athlete has reached only one MMF point. Muscles are known to recover up to 50% of their strength in 3 minutes. This means that if an athlete performs 10 120 pound bench presses, after a 3 minute break, the athlete can repeat up to 6 times or more, thereby increasing the number of essential Means that the MMF can be reached. As is known, the most important key to conducting training and achieving results is to use more muscles than are usually needed on a daily basis.

  Many of these challenges were addressed in US Pat. Nos. 5,350,344 and 4,746,113 assigned to the same assignee. However, it has become clear that the conventional weight stack is not optimal for a system that automatically changes the weight resistance when a state such as MMF occurs.

  For example, a conventional weight stack includes many identical weight plates (optionally including several weights having a smaller second value that can be manually coupled to the weight stack). In such a system, automatically changing the weight resistance can be complicated and expensive. For example, one possible approach is to provide each plate with a separate selectable pin that can be actuated as needed to select the desired weight of the stack at the moment of movement. . Alternatively, one or more movable pins can be moved along the weight stack to a desired position for selecting an appropriate resistance. The first method is expensive and complex, while the second method is simply complex. Both of these can be improved.

Summary of the Invention Among the various objects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that there is provided a resistance system for an exercise machine that facilitates changing the weight resistance depending on the state of the MMF or the like.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that is easily adaptable to conventional exercise equipment already existing in the art.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an economical and reliable system.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out above and below.

  Briefly, in a first aspect of the present invention, a resistance system for an exercise machine selects a plurality of resistance applying members having at least three different resistance values and a set of resistance applying members from the plurality of resistance applying members. And a selection device. The resistance value for the selected set determines the total resistance of the resistance system when the selected set is selected.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, a resistance system for an exercise machine includes a plurality of resistance applying members disposed horizontally. A selection device selects a set of resistance imparting members from a plurality of resistance imparting members, and the resistance value for the selected set determines the total resistance of the resistance system when the selected set is selected. When a predetermined state such as MMF occurs, the control device automatically controls the selection device to change the total resistance of the resistance system.

  In a third aspect of the invention, the resistance system provides a controllable resistance for the exercise machine or exercise equipment. The system includes a plurality of selectable weights, each of which can be selected to be included in a controllable resistor. A selection device is disposed adjacent to each of the selectable weights, the selection device having a plurality of actuation devices corresponding to each selectable weight, wherein one of the actuation devices is activated Corresponding selectable weights are included in the controllable resistors.

  In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an exercise machine includes a plurality of resistance applying members having at least three different resistance values, and a selection device for selecting a set of resistance applying members from the plurality of resistance applying members. Yes. The resistance value for the selected set determines the total resistance of the resistance system when the selected set is selected. A manually operable member, such as a bar, is configured to be moved by a user such that the movement of the manually operable member by the user is greater than the resistance provided by the selected set of resistance applying members. It is linked to the selected set of resistance imparting members.

  In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for retrofitting an exercise machine having a weight stack includes the step of removing an existing weight stack of the exercise machine, the existing weight stack being a weight set having at least three different resistance values. And providing a selection device configured to select various combinations of weights in the weight set.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method of changing resistance in an exercise tool includes a step of moving a selection device to a predetermined position, and engaging the first weight set while the selection device is in a predetermined position. And engaging the second weight set while the selection device is in place, the second weight set comprising individual weights having at least three different resistance values Yes.

  Throughout the drawings, like reference characters indicate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the resistance system 11 of the present invention is designed to be used in connection with any conventional exercise machine 13 (only a portion of the conventional exercise machine is shown). Has been. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of exercise machine, but rather is applicable to all and intended to be used as such. For example, FIG. 1A shows a conventional exercise machine 1 having a manually operable member 2 that a user is using to exercise against resistance. The particular machine 1 shown comprises a cowling 3 with a display 4 that covers a weight stack (described below). In order to detect the state of motion (eg speed, force) and determine when a change in resistance is beneficial, the sensor 5 can be placed either on the lower or upper part of the cowling of the exercise machine preferable. Although an exercise machine in the conventional sense is shown, it should be understood that the present invention can be used with much simpler machines (sometimes referred to as tools) such as barbells. That is, the variable resistance of the present invention can also be used to change the resistance of barbells or the resistance of more complex exercise machines.

  The resistance system 11 includes a plurality of resistance applying members 15 having at least three different resistance values. For example, in FIG. 1, resistance imparting member 15 is a 4 pound, 8 pound, 16 pound, 32 pound and 64 pound weight indicated by 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27, respectively. As shown in the figure, a pair of weights (excluding the central weight 19) having weight values arranged symmetrically are provided for the purpose of balancing. While the above pair of configurations is desirable for the present invention, it is not necessary.

  More importantly, the weights 15 are arranged horizontally, whereby individual weights can be selected independently regardless of whether other weights are selected. This feature provides the very high flexibility of the present invention compared to conventional weight stacks. Note also that different weight values are used that are integer multiples of the minimum weight (4 pound weight in this example). By using different weight values in this way, many combinations of total weights are realized using the minimum number of actual weights. That is, the resistance value of the selected set determines the total resistance of the resistance system when that set is selected.

  As the resistance applying member 15, other means such as an elastic cord, a shock absorber, an electromagnetic resistance device, and a spring may be used.

  A selection device 31 for selecting a set of resistance applying members from a plurality of resistance applying members is disposed immediately above the resistance applying member 15. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the selection device 31 comprises a lifting plate 33 and a plurality of actuating devices 35 arranged horizontally in suitable recesses 37 of the plate 33.

  In practice, each weight resistance member 15 (ie, each pair) will have an associated actuating device 35 such that a particular weight (ie, weight pair) is selected. In FIG. 2, the number of actuators (and recesses) shown has been reduced for clarity. The plate 33 also includes an opening 41 for receiving a guide rod 43 of a conventional exercise machine. (Note that not all exercise machines have guide rods, which are shown for illustrative purposes only). In FIG. 2, the selection device 31 is shown as having a plate, but the shape of the member that holds the actuation device can be changed as necessary.

  Referring to FIG. 1 again, the selection device 31 is disposed on the resistance applying member 15 in the exercise machine frame 45, and the other end is connected to a user operation unit (not shown) of the exercise machine. It is attached to a lifting cable or belt 47. The selection device (and any selected weight) moves vertically in the exercise machine frame 45 in response to the force applied by the user to the lifting cable 47.

  The system is connected to a selection device 31 by a cable 53 and to a control device 51 (shown in FIG. 1 as being attached to an exercise machine frame 45) connected to a suitable one or more sensors 55. ). Note that the control device can be placed anywhere as long as it is convenient. The controller can be any suitable computer or circuit. The particular computer or circuit is a matter of choice because there is nothing special about the controller itself.

  The control device 51 controls the operation of the different operation devices 35 of the selection device 31 in response to detection of a state such as MMF by the sensor 55. For example, the outermost weight is connected and moved with the lifting plate 33 by a suitable actuator. Also, assume that the lifting plate weighs 16 pounds, so the total weight being lifted at that time is 80 pounds.

  When sensor 55 receives a signal indicating MMF, controller 51 identifies the condition, and when the lifting plate returns to the position shown in FIG. 1, all three four pound weights 19 and both eight pound weights 21 are present. And actuators associated with both 16 pound weights 23 are actuated (via cable 53) to a total weight of 76 pounds (including lifting plate). Also, since the actuator associated with the 32 pound weight 25 is deactivated, the total weight is reduced when the exercise is next repeated. (Of course, the total weight change may not be this minimum increase due to the desire or demand of a specific user or specific exercise). In addition, although the operation has been described in relation to the MMF, any other state may be used as a trigger event.

  Referring to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the resistance system of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, the lifting member is a cylinder 61 mounted on the axle 63. As the lifting belt 47 moves, the cylinder rotates around its axle, and the attached weight moves up and down.

  In this particular embodiment, the weights are not arranged in pairs as in the above-described embodiments (however, whether the weights are arranged in pairs or not is the invention in the broadest sense for any embodiment). Does not constitute part of). Single weights 65, 67, 69, 71, 73 and 75 (having 4 lb, 8 lb, 16 lb, 32 lb, 64 lb and 128 lb weight respectively) are attached to the lifting cylinder or drum 62 by strap 77. It is connected. Since the actuating device 35 (not shown) is mounted inside the drum 62, any combination of weights is attached to or removed from the drum under the control of the control device 51 (also not shown in FIG. 3). be able to. As the drum rotates (due to the force applied to the lifting belt 47), the actuated weight is lifted or lowered. When a state such as MMF occurs, the control device changes the weight by appropriately controlling the actuator.

  4 and 4A, it can be seen that the present invention can be used in a wide variety of weight configurations and arrangements. For example, FIG. 4 shows a set of 13 weights 81-93. Each weight includes a protrusion (not shown) for receiving a corresponding actuator rod to select the weight (as described below). The weights extend vertically and are all at substantially the same height so that each can be individually and collectively selected by the selection device. The weights are preferably located at a base (which will be described below in connection with FIG. 6) with an open top surface that holds the weights in their respective rest positions. As an example, weights 81, 87 and 93 are 4 pound weights, weights 82 and 92 are 32 pound weights, weights 83 and 91 are 8 pound weights, weights 84 and 90 are 16 pound weights, weights 85 is a 2-pound weight, weights 86 and 88 are 64-pound weights, and weight 89 is a 1-pound weight.

  The protrusion of each weight extends between the corresponding actuating device and the protrusion of the selection device when the selection device 94 is in place just above the weight. For example, the actuating device of the weight 81 is the actuating device 81A, and the corresponding protrusion is 81T. When the selection device is in place, the control device 51, for example, disengages the actuators 82A, 84A and 85A (and thereby releases the weights 82, 84 and 85) and engages the actuators 91A and 92A. The weight can be changed from 50 pounds to 40 pounds. Of course, various other combinations of weights may be used.

  The present invention is particularly suitable for use in retrofit kits for existing exercise machines, but can also be used to create entirely new exercise machines. For example, FIG. 5 shows a barbell using the weight resistance system of the present invention. Of course, the present invention is applicable to any other type of free weight machine. Barbell bar 101 is shown as being connected to a two-part selection device 103 located on both sides of the bar set on the weight set. Each set of weights is, for example, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 40 pounds and 80 pounds. When the bar is lowered to a fixed position where the selection device is directly above the weight, the weight resistance can be changed in the same manner as described above. That is, each weight has an actuating device and protrusion associated with it (within the selection device), so that the weight is selected (barbell) by actuating the corresponding actuating device when the selecting device is in place. The other weights are unselected (excluded from the barbell weight) (if necessary) by shutting down the corresponding actuator. The barbell 101 with the selection device 103 may be used with a weight training bench 105 as shown, or may be used in any other conventional manner. If necessary, a signal for changing the weight may be given to the selection device 103 including the foot pedal 107.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the weight is located in the base 111. The weights of the present embodiment are tapered at their lower ends as shown in FIG. 6, and the base 111 has a tapered shape corresponding to this and is sized to receive the corresponding weight. An opening 113 is provided. That is, an opening is provided for each weight, and each opening is sized to receive the corresponding weight. The tapered opening 113 ensures that the weight is guided into the corresponding opening when lowered to the rest position. This ensures that the weight is always in the desired position for selection / deselection. Note that the taper amount shown in FIG. 6 can be changed as necessary. In FIG. 6, one weight 86 is shown in a rest position within the base, while weights 81 and 89 are shown descending into their respective openings 113.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in a variety of ways because it itself provides great design flexibility.

  In view of the above, it will be seen that the various objects and features of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. Since the structure and method described above can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, all matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are not meant to be limiting. It should be construed as illustrative.

It is a front view of the movement resistance system of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise machine using the motion resistance system of the present invention. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the selection / lifting mechanism of the movement resistance system of FIG. It is a front view of another embodiment of the movement resistance system of the present invention. It is a simplified top view of another weight stack of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view of a selection device used with the weight stack of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention being used with a barbell on a weight bench. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of base part provided in the weight stack of this invention as needed.

Claims (39)

A resistance system for an exercise machine,
A plurality of resistance imparting members having at least three different resistance values;
A selection device for selecting a set of resistance imparting members from the plurality of resistance imparting members, the total resistance of the resistance system when the selected set is selected according to the resistance value for the selected set A selection device that determines
With resistance system. The resistance member has at least four different resistance values;
The resistance system according to claim 1. One of the resistance imparting members provides a predetermined minimum resistance value, at least one of the resistance imparting members provides a resistance value at least twice the minimum resistance value, and at least one of the resistance imparting members. Gives a resistance value at least four times the minimum resistance value,
The resistance system according to claim 1. A majority of the resistance applying members provide a resistance value that is an even multiple of a predetermined minimum resistance value.
The resistance system according to claim 1. The resistance member is horizontally disposed so that the resistance distribution around the central axis of the selection device is substantially symmetric.
The resistance system according to claim 1. The selection device is a substantially flat plate disposed along one face of the resistance imparting member;
The resistance system according to claim 1. The selection device has an actuation device arranged to engage with a corresponding resistance applying member when activated, and the set of selected resistance applying members is a desired resistance applying member of the set. Selected by activating the actuating device corresponding to
The resistance system according to claim 6. The plate as the selection device is horizontally disposed on the resistance applying member,
The resistance system according to claim 6. The resistance applying member is a weight.
The resistance system according to claim 1. The resistance applying member is an elastic cord.
The resistance system according to claim 1. The resistance applying member is electromechanical.
The resistance system according to claim 1. A control device that automatically controls the selection device to change a total resistance of the resistance system when a predetermined state such as MMF occurs;
The resistance system according to claim 1. The controller is responsive to detection of the predetermined state by a sensor associated with the exercise machine;
The resistance system according to claim 12. The selection device is configured to be controlled by a plurality of different control devices;
The resistance system according to claim 12. A resistance system for an exercise machine,
A plurality of resistance imparting members disposed horizontally to each other;
A selection device configured to select a set of resistance applying members from the plurality of resistance applying members, wherein the resistance system is selected when the selected set is selected according to the resistance value with respect to the selected set. A selection device that determines the total resistance of
A control device that automatically controls the selection device to change the total resistance of the resistance system when a predetermined state such as MMF occurs;
With resistance system. The resistance member has at least four different resistance values;
The resistance system according to claim 15. One of the resistance imparting members provides a predetermined minimum resistance value, at least one of the resistance imparting members provides a resistance value at least twice the minimum resistance value, and at least one of the resistance imparting members. Gives a resistance value at least four times the minimum resistance value,
The resistance system according to claim 15. The resistance member is horizontally disposed so that the resistance distribution around the central axis of the selection device is substantially symmetric.
The resistance system according to claim 15. The selection device is a substantially flat plate disposed along one face of the resistance imparting member;
The resistance system according to claim 15. The selection device has an actuation device arranged to engage with a corresponding resistance applying member when activated, and the set of selected resistance applying members is a desired resistance applying member of the set. Selected by activating the actuating device corresponding to
The resistance system according to claim 15. The plate as the selection device is horizontally disposed on the resistance applying member,
The resistance system according to claim 15. A resistance system for providing controllable resistance for movement,
A plurality of selectable weights, each selectable to be included in the controllable resistor;
A selection device disposed adjacent to each of the selectable weights, wherein the selection device has a plurality of actuation devices corresponding to each selectable weight, and when one of the actuation devices is activated, A selection device in which a corresponding selectable weight is included in the controllable resistance;
With resistance system. One of the weights provides a predetermined minimum resistance value, at least one of the weights provides a resistance value at least twice the minimum resistance value, and at least one of the weights includes the minimum resistance value. Give a resistance value at least 4 times greater than
The resistance system according to claim 22. The majority of the weights give a resistance value that is an even multiple of a predetermined minimum resistance value,
The resistance system according to claim 22. The weights are arranged horizontally so that the resistance distribution around the central axis of the selection device is substantially symmetric.
The resistance system according to claim 22. The selection device is a substantially flat plate disposed along one face of the weight;
The resistance system according to claim 22. The selection device has an actuation device arranged to engage a corresponding weight when actuated, and the weight is selected by actuating the actuation device corresponding to a desired weight. ,
27. A resistance system according to claim 26. The plate as the selection device is horizontally disposed on the upper part of the weight,
The resistance system according to claim 22. A control device that automatically controls the selection device to change a total resistance of the resistance system when a predetermined state such as MMF occurs;
The resistance system according to claim 22. The controller is responsive to detection of the predetermined state by a sensor associated with the exercise machine;
30. A resistance system according to claim 29. The selection device is configured to be controlled by a plurality of different control devices;
30. A resistance system according to claim 29. A plurality of resistance imparting members having at least three different resistance values;
A selection device for selecting a set of resistance imparting members from the plurality of resistance imparting members, the total resistance of the resistance system when the selected set is selected according to the resistance value for the selected set A selection device that determines
A manually operable member configured to be moved by a user, wherein the selection is such that movement of the manually operable member by a user is greater than the resistance imparted by the selected set of resistance imparting members. A member interlocked and connected to the set of resistance imparting members,
An exercise machine comprising. The manually operable member is interlocked to the selected set of resistance imparting members by the selection device,
The exercise machine according to claim 32. And further comprising a control for changing the selected set of resistance imparting members to change the total resistance,
The exercise machine according to claim 32. A method for retrofitting an exercise machine having a weight stack,
Removing an existing weight stack of the exercise machine;
Replacing the existing weight stack with weight sets having at least three different resistance values, and providing a selection device configured to select various combinations of weights in the weight set.   36. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing a controller to automatically change the resistance imparted by the weight set in response to a predetermined condition. A method of changing resistance in exercise equipment,
Moving the selection device to a predetermined position;
Disengaging the first weight set while the selection device is in the predetermined position; and engaging the second weight set while the selection device is in the predetermined position. Including
The method wherein the second weight set comprises individual weights having at least three different resistance values. A resistance system for providing controllable resistance for movement,
A plurality of selectable weights, each selectable to be included in the controllable resistor;
A selection device disposed adjacent to each of the selectable weights, wherein the selection device has a plurality of actuation devices corresponding to each selectable weight, and when one of the actuation devices is activated, A selection device in which a corresponding selectable weight is included in the controllable resistance;
A base for receiving the weight, the base having a plurality of tapered openings for receiving the weight;
With resistance system. A weight set for exercise equipment,
A first weight having a predetermined mass, having a bottom, a top and a side, wherein the side is at least somewhat tapered toward the bottom;
A second weight having a bottom, a top and a side, the side being at least somewhat tapered toward the bottom, and having a mass approximately twice the mass of the first weight;
A third weight having a mass about four times the mass of the first weight, the bottom having a bottom, a top and a side, the side being at least somewhat tapered toward the bottom;
Weight set with

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