Exercise and Rehabilitation Machine with Autonomous Drive
The machine of the present invention can have frame that supports an I-beam in either a vertical or horizontal manner. The I-beam can support a mounting plate and gear racks. A gear box housing is movable with respect to the I-beam under operation of a motor that turns a shaft so that pinion gears engage the gear racks to translate relative to the gear racks. A pivot assembly is fixed with respect to the gear box so that when force is applied to the carriage, it causes a change in torque loading in the gear box that is measurable by a force gauge mounted between the pivot assembly and the gear box housing. The motor is controlled by a controller to be operable to move the carriage and user engagement components carried by the carriage, such as a foot plate and/or manually grasped handles, so as to require user exertion to resist such movement.
This application is a utility filing from and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/598,054, entitled “Exercise and Rehabilitation Machine”, filed on Dec. 13, 2017 and is a utility filing from and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/506,145, entitled “Exercise Equipment with Autonomous Drive”, filed on May 15, 2017, and is a utility filing from and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/522,821, entitled “Exercise Equipment with Lockable Arms and/or Handles”, filed on Jun. 21, 2017, in which the entire disclosure of both provisionals are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates generally to exercise and rehabilitation machines. More particularly, the invention relates to a self-adjusting apparatus that is capable of producing static, eccentric and concentric muscular contractions of an individual while exercising or rehabilitating.
Various exercise machines have been developed to exercise certain types of human body muscles. These machines are categorized into two broad groups: 1) compound machines which exercise multiple pairs of muscles at the same time, and 2) isolation machines which exercise only one pair of muscles at a time. In either case the actual exercise occurs with the movement and contraction of the muscles against an opposing force. The effectiveness of the machine in meeting the specific needs of the user will depend on the quality of interaction between the machine and its user.
The muscles of the human body are capable of three types of actions. The first is a positive or concentric function in which the muscle contracts under a load that is less than the muscle strength. The second is a static or isometric function in which the muscle attempts to contract against a load that is greater than the muscle strength. The third is a negative or eccentric function in which an external load is large enough to overcome the muscle strength and force the muscle to elongate in spite of an attempt by the person to contract the muscle.
It is well known that the muscles perform much more efficiently during eccentric functions than during concentric or isometric functions. This is because the same muscle is capable of exerting greater force during its eccentric function than it can during either concentric or isometric functions. Further, concentric and isometric functions results in a comparatively greater expense of energy and stress to the nervous system than eccentric functions, resulting in greater stress to the overall body for the same work out.
Various types of muscle strengthening equipment have been developed over the years but few take advantage of the varying efficiencies in muscle physiology during motion. These range from conventional barbells to prohibitively expensive hydraulic machines. Examples of prior mechanical exercise machines are plentiful. The Nautilus Co., among others, employ the use of spiral cams in their machines to accommodate the force curves that take place as muscles lengthen and leverage changes occurring during a concentric contraction. However, these machines do not address the difference in performance between concentric, static and eccentric contractions. Other commercially available exercise machines utilize guided sliding weight stacks. In these machines, the weight can only be changed in between exercise repetitions but not during. Many other styles of commercial exercise machines, such as lever based weight machines and plate-loaded machines, suffer the same problem in that the inability to manipulate weights during exercise repetitions prohibits the machine from taking advantage of the user's full work out potential as it relates to the various muscle functions.
Examples of various exercise equipment widely used in both fitness and rehabilitation fields include U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,152, shows equipment for exercising the muscles of a user includes a horizontally extending main frame and bench, an elevator leg supporting an elevator carriage for vertical movement with respect thereto situated at one end of the bench, an endless chain extending from the top to the bottom of the elevator leg and means to attach the elevator carriage to the main chain at appropriate heights. Actuating arms can be temporarily fixedly mounted to the elevator carriage so that a user can make repetitive movement in upward or downward direction on those arms. A chain sprocket driven by the endless drive chain drives a pinion which drives a rack/piston rod forming part of a piston/cylinder positive displacement linear pump. A path is provided between the opposite ends of the pump, and means is provided in the path to restrict the flow of fluid thus to provide resistance to repetitive movements of the user on the actuating arms in one direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,933 to Schnell shows a muscle toning, strengthening or exercising machine has an arm provided with grips or other body-engaging members and swingable about an axis defined by a shaft to which the arm is coupled. This shaft is connected to another shaft by a transmission having a selected transmission ratio and the other shaft is connected to an electric motor which controls the force supplied for exercising, e.g. via a crank mechanism.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,829 to Carlson shows an exercise machine that includes side frame members. Electromagnetic brakes supported on movable carriages slide alongside frame members. Carriage includes a hinge for allowing each brake to pivot between multiple positions. Both types of motion allow the output shafts on brakes to be reoriented relative to a support bench on which a user of machine is located. Various exercise attachments may be coupled to brake shafts for contacting various body members to perform different exercises. A controller regulates the force levels of brakes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,356 to Houston et al. shows an exercise machine having a user interface engaged by a user to perform exercises using the exercise machine is disclosed in which an electric, direct current (DC), servo control motor is used as the force producing element to which the user interface is mechanically connected and in which a digital data processor, operatively connected to the electric motor, is used for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the linkage relative to the electric DC servo motor and for controlling the electric DC servo motor to operate as one of a generator or a motor depending upon the determined position and direction of movement of the linkage is disclosed. The force exerted by the electric motor, whether it is operating as a motor or a generator, is dependent upon the position and direction of movement of the mechanical linkage as well as upon the force exerted by the user on the mechanical linkage, and other parameters, depending upon which one of three modes of operation is selected.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,232 to Cole et al. shows a training system and method include providing a frame, a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user, and a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by the body part. A force sensor is provided for sensing a user-applied force at the user engagement portion, and a position sensor is operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween. A motor is coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity, and a controller is provided in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the position sensor. A computer program executable by the controller generates a position-varying target force band for the user over the range of motion, and a display is provided in communication with the controller and the force and position sensors for displaying the user-applied force as a function of position in real time in comparison with the target force band.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,685 to Cole et al. shows a training system and method include providing a frame, a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user, and a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by the body part. A force sensor is provided for sensing a user-applied force at the user engagement portion, and a position sensor is operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween. A motor is coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity, and a controller is provided in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the position sensor. A knee position mechanism is movably coupled to the frame between the user support portion and the user engagement portion, the knee position mechanism including a sensor in communication with the controller for tracking a horizontal position of a knee of the user over the range of motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,155 to Bird discloses a resistance exercise system having, in certain embodiments, a DC power supply system, a DC motor connected to the DC power supply system, a drive section connected to a drive element, a resistance delivery element connected to the drive element, and an extractable exercise resistance delivery section, a predetermined variable resistance section intermediate the DC power supply system and DC motor, an electrical condition sensor, and a variable resistance section control in communication with the electrical condition sensor and the predetermined variable resistance section. In some embodiments, the resistance exercise system includes a computing facility providing the ability to configure the exercise system to provide predetermined static or variable exercise resistance during exercise, and for example, during a positive or negative exercise stroke. Some embodiments allow users to create and, if desired, display varying and complex resistance exercise routines with or without use of resistance weights.
United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0003873 to Kobayashi relates to an exercise device to simulate a leg swing motion. The device comprises a frame, a longitudinal guide supported by the frame, and a moveable body reciprocally moveable along the guide. The moveable body has a pivot axis defined thereon. A swing arm is pivotally coupled to the moveable body about the pivot axis such that the moveable body moves rearwardly when the swing arm swings forwardly by a forwardly leg swing motion and the moveable body moves forwardly when the swing arm swings rearwardly by a rearwardly leg swing motion.
US Publication 2011/0082006 to Ishii et al. shows a training machine for enabling the exerciser to exercise under a load appropriate for the individual exercise capability and physical function of the exerciser. The exerciser enters a desired velocity-load characteristic into a load characteristic input device, and the velocity-load characteristic is stored in the load characteristic memory device. A load instruction value is determined according to the velocity-load characteristic and to the velocity inputted from a velocity calculation means into the load characteristic memory device and transmitted to a control means. The control means rotates a servomotor with a torque instruction value corresponding to the load instruction value. A movement mechanism converts the rotation into linear movement to move a movable unit. With this, the exerciser can carry out training of reciprocal movement.
US Publication 2011/0165996 to Paulus et al. discloses a method and/or an apparatus using computer configured exercise equipment and an electric motor. A computer-controlled robotic resistance system is used for training, diagnosis and/or therapy. The resistance system comprises: a subject interface, software control, a controller, an electric servo assist/resist motor, an actuator, and/or a subject sensor. The system overcomes the limitations of the existing robotic rehabilitation, weight training, and cardiovascular training systems by providing a training and/or rehabilitation system that adapts a resistance or force applied to a user interactive element in response to the user's interaction with the training system, a physiological strength curve, and/or sensor feedback. For example, the system optionally provides for an automatic reconfiguration and/or adaptive load adjustment based upon real time measurement of a user's interaction with the system or sensor based observation by the exercise system as it is operated by the subject.
US Publication 2015/0072835 to Kunstmann shows an exercise machine with controlled motion and user force matching resistance. The machine includes a frame to which is rigidly mounted a motor driven reciprocating drive. A user engageable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame. The reciprocating drive is connected to the arm by a rigid connecting rod. The reciprocating drive drives the arm through a predetermined stroke following a pre-determined velocity profile. The user performs the exercise by applying force to the arm. The arm applies a generally equal counterforce to the force applied by the user. The pre-determined motion of the arm is generally independent of the force applied by the user. The stroke of the arm has a fixed fully contracted position and a user adjustable fully extended position. Adjustments to the fully extended position are made by changing the location of the joint between the connecting rod and the arm. Motion of the arm starts upon application of force applied by the user, and stops when the user force is removed.
Thus, there exists a need for exercise equipment with autonomous drive, to structural improvements of exercise equipment and methods of use thereof that addresses the problems with the prior machines and equipment.
Many exercise machines include handles that are grasped by the user to perform an exercise. Examples of handles for exercise machines are disclosed in the following patents and applications:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,018 to Eckler shows an offset rotatable handle member and exercising apparatus consisting of a crosspiece of fixed length between its ends and being hollow throughout its length and having a cross section formed by several orthogonal sides, a cable attaching member about the center of the crosspiece and extending from one of the several orthogonal sides, handle hangar members securably attached from one opposite side of the several orthogonal sides of the weight, attachably supporting weights for use in exercising, and a hand grasping member in the handle hangar for providing a rotatable hand grip for weightlifting apparatus so the hands can be rotated while supporting the weightlifting apparatus with the capability to change hand positions from pronated to all the way to supinated in one movement without having to drop the bar and regrip it.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,858 to Sharff shows a safety weight lifting frame comprising a generally omega shaped bar having weight supporting lateral extensions on the ends thereof. Lift arms are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the bar for movement in generally vertical planes. Swivel couplings at the upper ends of the arms removably support either separate handles or a continuous bar. The pivoted arms lower the center of gravity of the weight frame and permit a user to exercise a muscle group through the full range of motion in a single lift.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,300 to Hightower shows a rotating multi-positional grip barbell device having a plurality of hand grip portions rotatably mounted relative to a bar, includes a housing assembly fixedly mounted to the bar, wherein the housing assembly is diametrically aligned relative to the bar, and a carrier ring support rotatably mounted relative to the housing assembly. A pair of bearing sets provide relative frictionless rotation between the housing assembly and the carrier ring support. An alternative embodiment includes an offset configuration of the weight supporting ends with the barbell having the rotating hand grips. The offset weight supporting ends are rotatable via a pair of swivel joints. The multi-positional grip provides a weightlifting exercise regimen that produces greater muscle toning and muscle building results.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,977 to Webber et al. discloses an exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first end for pivoting on a frame of the machine to pivot about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being perpendicular to the other two pivot axes to form a perpendicular, tri-pivot arm system.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,597,655 to Webber et al. shows an exercise arm assembly for mounting on an exercise machine frame has a main arm, a swing arm, and a handle. The main arm has a first pivot connection to a frame of the machine for pivoting about a first pivot axis. The swing arm has a first end pivoted to the second end of the main arm for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The handle is pivoted to the swing arm for pivoting about a third pivot axis, with each pivot axis being perpendicular to the other two pivot axes to form a perpendicular, tri-pivot arm system.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,993,251 to Webber et al. discloses a pectoral fly exercise machine which is designed for performing exercises similar to a free weight pectoral fly exercise has a stationary main frame, a user support frame pivotally mounted on the main frame, a user engagement device or exercise arm assembly pivotally mounted on one of the frames for engagement by the user in performing a pectoral fly exercise, and a connecting link which links movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. A load resists movement of one of the moving parts of the machine. The user support frame has an exercise start position which supports a user's body in a slightly rearward reclined position, and movement of the user engagement device to perform a pec fly exercise moves the user support from the start position to an end position in which a user's body is in a more rearwardly reclined position.
US Publication 2014/0087925 to Dupuis shows a multi-use exercise device includes a shaft extending between ground-engaging support structures with a pair of arms rotatable around the shaft into a plurality of various angular positions relative to the ground providing a plurality of different exercises with a plurality of different levels of difficulty. The exercise device can be used as a support structure for pushup and planking exercises, as well as shoulder mounted weight support for squats and lunges.
Thus, there exists a need for exercise equipment with lockable arms and/or handles that solves these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREThe machine of the present invention can have frame that supports an I-beam in either a vertical or horizontal manner. The I-beam can support a mounting plate and gear racks. One of the gear racks can be adjustable along its longitudinal axis for alignment purposes. A gear box housing is movable with respect to the I-beam under operation of a motor that turns a shaft so that pinion gears translate relative to the gear racks. A carriage extends from one side of the housing. A pivot assembly is fixed with respect to the gear box. When force is applied to the carriage, it causes a change in torque loading in the gear box that is measurable by a force gauge mounted between the pivot assembly and the gear box housing. The motor can set a variable speed, travel distance, start point and stop point, per an individual.
According to one advantage of the present invention, the exercise machine can have an autonomous drive. This advantageously allows a speed, travel start, travel end, distance and repetitions to be set. This is customizable to individuals so that workouts, rehabilitation schedules and stretching routines can be tailored to individuals. According to another advantage of the present invention, the speed can be variable within a stroke. In one situation, speed of travel can be reduced at the beginning and end of a stroke to reduce stress at the ends of travel. Further, there can be a pause between successive strokes. For example, there can be a pause of a first duration before a concentric stroke, followed by a pause of the same or different duration before the eccentric stroke. Still further, the concentric and eccentric strokes can be set at different speeds.
According to another advantage of the present invention, individual data can be stored for many people. For example, a trainer or assistant can fit the person with the machine and store their data. Then, for use, the user can enter a pin or other identifying information and complete the tasks without further assistance. According to a still further advantage of the present invention, when in an autonomous drive, the user can focus their entire neural energy towards completion of the task (exercise, stretching, etc.) instead of starting and stopping the motor. It is appreciated that aspects of the present invention can be independently used in non-autonomous systems (trainer or individual motor control) while maintaining several advantages.
According to another advantage of the present invention, a specific, even limited range of motion can be set. The range of motion can be programmed to increase over time (such as after a number of sessions), which is of benefit in rehabilitation settings.
According to still further advantages of the present invention, it can monitor and record user force. This is useful for tracking user progress. It is anticipated (but not required) that the user will not affect the speed or travel of the machine. Yet, there is a reliable measure of the user's effort.
According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, it can be used as an active resistance machine (traditional exercise) or as a passive resistance machine (stretching or range of motion work) that does not incorporate active resistance. Still further, the present invention can be used in a continuous passive resistance setting where the user repeatedly moves through a predetermined range of motion.
According to a still further advantage of the present invention, a double gear rack is provided for stability. Two pinion gears are simultaneously used to advance a carriage relative to a beam. The use of two pinion gears stabilizes the carriage, especially if there are uneven or torsional forces applied by the user. Further, the use of two gear racks and pinions increases the contact surface area thereby distributing the load over a larger area.
According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, one of the gear racks is adjustable relative to a mounting plate so that a very tight tolerance can be achieved. This can be accomplished by moving one of the gear racks longitudinally under operation of the gear box wherein the pinions automatically adjust the position of the adjustable gear rack. The mounting plate can have elongated holes on one side so that the gear rack can be adjusted slightly. In a preferred embodiment, blocks containing set screws can be provided to lock in the longitudinal location of the adjustable gear rack.
According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the main beam can be an I-beam. In addition to having strength and stiffness advantages, the I-beam can be used with four bearing assemblies. Each bearing assembly can have two individual bearings so that the assemblies contact the web and both flanges. There are twelve points of contact between the bearing assemblies and the beam in a preferred embodiment. This advantageously allows for the carriage to move in a stable and smooth manner during operation.
According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, a pivot assembly can be provided in a fixed manner relative to the gear box. The gear box will have a change in torque loading under a user input. A force gauge is mounted between the pivot assembly and a gear box housing. The force gauge, at a single location, can measure the force applied by the user (concentric and eccentric) by measuring the change in torque of the motor, as passed through the gear box supported by the shaft. This is relatively simple mechanically, does not require multiple sensors, and does not introduce any instability to the carriage.
Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.
illustrated in
While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The present invention relates to an exercise or rehabilitation machine, such as the machine 10 and 510 shown in
The machine 510 is a horizontally operable machine, as shown in
Turning back to machine 10, it is seen that the central riser 70 can comprise an I-beam 90. As shown in
Holes 134, preferably round in shape, are defined along the first side 131 and holes 135, preferably elongated or slot shaped, are defined along the second side 132. There are preferably eight holes 133, 134 and 135 through the mounting plate. A pair of gear racks 170, 180 are mounted to opposite sides of the mounting plate 130, as shown in
A pair of blocks 140, 145 are mounted at opposite ends of side 132 of the mounting plate 130, as shown in
Turning now to
As shown in
The gear box 260 can be a right-angle gearbox with a gearbox axle 270 supported by the housing bearings 240 and 245. The gear box 260 is rotatable about the shaft (except as limited by the load cell 350, described below). The gear box 260 is operable under operation of the motor, and can cause the shaft to turn one of two ways.
A pair of pinion gears 280 are mounted on and for rotation with the axle 270, such as by a key and keyway. The pinions 280 include teeth 285 configured to engage the teeth 171, 181 of the racks 170, 180. Rotation of the axle 270 rotates the pinions 280 and 290 which translate relative to the racks 170 and 180 and the I-beam 90. This rotational-to-translational conversion causes the gear rack housing 200 to translate relative to the I-beam as well.
A pivot assembly 300 is illustrated in
The gearbox housing 200 supports four bearing assemblies 360 as illustrated in
The four bearing assemblies 360 are mounted to the side plates 220 and 225 of the gear box housing 220 adjacent side plate 215. Two of the bearings assemblies are arranged to be aligned on each side of the I-beam 90, as depicted in
Turning now to
The operation of the exercise machine 10 disclosed herein can be explained with reference to
The system is an autonomous system that passes through its paths regardless of user input. The force gauge 350 operates by measuring the torque supplied by the user upon the carriage 410. As the user pushes and pulls on the carriage 400 through the handles 416 and arms 415, a negative or positive amount of excess torque is developed by the motor 250 and translated through the gear box 260. The rotational force of the pivot assembly 300 towards or away from the gear box housing 200 is measured with the gauge 350 and translated into a force output. The force output can be measured in real time along the entire travel span and can be analyzed.
It can be appreciated that the same components described in connection with the vertical machine 10 are incorporated into the horizontal machine 510 shown in
A workout machine 700, shown in
The workout machine 700 further includes a seat 725 at the rear of the frame 712. The seat 725 may be mounted to and supported on the center beam 720 or maybe integrated into the rear vertical beam 718. The seat 725 does not need to be adjustable along the longitudinal length of the machine for reasons explained herein. However, the seat 725 may include an adjustable height or adjustable back position feature. The seat may be mounted to the center beam 720 by opposite flanges 726. A top cover plate 727 is mounted to the frame with a slot 728 aligned with the center beam 720. The slot includes an enlarged end 728a to receive the flanges 726 used to mount the seat 725. A pair of side plates 729 are affixed to the sides of the frame 712 to enclose the entire frame structure for the exercise machine 700.
A controller and display 730 is supported at the opposite front end of the frame 712. The display 730 is mounted to a support beam 731 that is sized to elevate the display 730 so that it can be readily viewed by a person in the seat 725 during a workout cycle. A controller and display 730 includes a microprocessor or computer that implements software and/or firmware controls the operation of the drive assembly and that provides a user interface for selecting, controlling and reviewing the workout, such as the system shown in
The display feature of the controller and display 730 may be optional, in which case the controller feature of the controller and display 730 can be integrated into the frame 712 of the workout machine. The controller can include a computer or microprocessor capable of communicating with a remote device as desired to download data for instance. The remote control device, which may optionally be a hard-wired device, provides the user with direct communication to the controller to select and initiate a workout routine. The remote device maybe configured to provide a visual indication of the selected routine and the progress of the routine.
A load plate 740 is supported at the opposite front end of the frame 712, with an initial position below the controller and display 730. The load plate 740 may be similar to the plate 590 of the machine 510 described above. In particular, the load plate is sized and configured for the user to place his/her feet on the plate to apply a resistive force against the load plate 740 as it is driven by the motor assembly. The load plate 740 may include optional handle assemblies 742 mountable on both sides of the plate. The handle assemblies include a hand grip that can be selectively oriented by an adjustment mechanism 743. The handle assemblies 742 can be grasped by the user during a leg workout cycle, but is more appropriately used for an upper body workout. The handle assemblies can be removed when the load plate 740 is used exclusively for a leg workout.
The load plate 740 is mounted to a stiffening frame 752 that is in turn mounted to a vertical beam 750 by a C-shaped bracket 741. The vertical beam and a stiffening angle beam 751 are mounted to a support plate 752. The support plate 752 is driven by a motor assembly, such as the motor 250 and gearbox 260 described above, which in turn drives the load plate 740 toward the user seated in the seat 725. The vertical beam 750 is mounted to a gearbox housing 760 that is similar to the housing 210 described above. The vertical beam 750 extends through the slot 728 in the top cover plate 727.
As described in more detail above, the housing 760 is supported on the center I-beam 720 by bearing assemblies 761, which can be similar to the bearing assemblies 360 discussed above, to allow the housing, and thus the vertical beam and load plate 740 to translate toward or away from the use seated on the seat 725. The motor assembly for driving the load plate thus includes the racks 170, 180 and pinions 280, with the pinions driven by the gearbox axle 270 which in turn is driven by the motor 250. The motor includes an output shaft (not shown) that meshes with the gearbox to drive the axle 270. In one embodiment, the output shaft of the motor can directly drive a bevel gear that meshes with a ring gear that is either mounted on the pinion axle 270 or fixed to the pinion gears. The pinion gears can include conventional spur gear teeth to mesh with the teeth of the racks 170, 180. It can be appreciated that operation of the drive motor rotates the pinion gears so that the gears travel along the rack toward the user in the seat 725. As the pinion gears travel they propels the load plate 740 toward the user, who resists this movement by exerting his/her own force on the load plate. The configuration of the motor mount, namely the gearbox housing 760 and under-mounted drive motor, in combination with the channeled I-beam center beam 720, ensures stability of the drive mechanism propelling the load plate 740. One problem with prior eccentric load workout machines is that the load plate is unsteady, frequently wobbling laterally as the load plate is driven toward the user. The workout machine 710 of the present disclosure avoids this significant problem and provides a smooth, stable movement of the load plate 740. The use of four rollers 365, two on each side, also avoids the problem of prior workout machines in which the drive mechanism binds on the center rail.
Hard stops are preferably provided on the center beam 720 to limit the rearward movement (toward the user) and forward movement (toward the controller). The hard stops may be physical stops mounted to the beam to prevent travel of the housing. In this instance, the motor controller would incorporate an overload protection to automatically de-activate the motor when the housing stops moving. In lieu of or in addition to the physical stops, limit switches may be provided at the hard stops to terminate electrical power to the drive motor 250. The hard stops may also be implemented in software/firmware implemented by the controller 730, based on a pre-programmed movement distance or on pre-programmed load limits or changes in load sensed by the load cell 350. The goal of the stops, whether hard or soft, is to protect the user from injury due to continued movement of the use-engageable component.
It is further contemplated that the controller 730 can generate a “soft” stop to the forwardmost position of the load plate 740. This “soft” stop corresponds to the desired starting position for the load plate when the user commences the workout. The “soft” stop can account for differences in leg length of different users, but can also be used to modify the workout cycle for a given user. The controller can also respond to a “panic” button on the handheld remote control that immediately stops the load motion of the load plate and orders retraction of the load plate.
The controller 730 implements software and/or firmware that controls the operation of the drive motor 250 to propel the load plate 740 toward the user or retract the load plate at the end of the workout cycle. The controller thus provides power to the motor based on the software program or firmware instructions implemented by the controller. The motor can be a reversible variable speed servo motor or stepper motor, which increases the variability of the motor operation. For instance, the controller can implement a workout protocol in which the load applied through the load plate 740 changes along the stroke of the carriage, or in which the load plate advances, retracts and advances again during a single workout cycle. The controller can implement a graphical user interface that allows the user to select a pre-programmed workout or to customize the workout.
A load cell or other force measurement device may be integrated into the drive assembly, such as a load cell 350 mounted to the gearbox housing 760 as described above. Alternatively, the drive motor can be provided with electronics to measure motor torque as an indication of the resistive force being applied by the user as the motor attempts to drive the load plate toward the seated user. The data obtained from these measurements can be translated to an interactive visual indication of the user's applied force on the controller and display 730. In addition, the controller may store data from a particular workout that can be reviewed by the user and/or trainer, or that can be downloaded to another device.
As an alternative to the load cell 350 mounted to the gearbox housing 760, the machine 700 can incorporate a load cell with the load/foot plate 776. In particular, se shown in
The workout machine 710 is shown for performing seated leg presses. With the optional handle assembly 742, the machine can be used for arm exercises. For this exercise, the drive assembly is programmed to move the load plate 740 and frame 741, to which the handle assembly 742 is attached, away from the seated user so that the user resists the movement. The same principles can be implemented in a vertical exercise machine for either standing or seated exercises. For instance, the load plate 740 can be arranged above the user for performing leg squats or military press arm exercises.
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments the controllers for the workout machines 10, 510 and 710 can be programmed for providing static or isometric muscle action. It is contemplated that the controller, such as controller 730, can be configured to control the drive motor and thus the load plate 40 (or arms 415) to achieve concentric and eccentric muscle actions. The drive motor can also be controlled to allow the user to resist the load plate moving away from the user, as well as toward the user as described above. In addition, the controller can be programmed to resist movement of the load plate by the user, either toward or away from the user depending on the muscle group being worked.
A modification of the exercise machine 800 is shown in
As best seen in
The first side member 870 has a top beam 871, a bottom beam 872 and a side beam 875. The top and bottom beams 871 and 872, respectively, connect the side beam 875 to the vertical member 860. The side beam 875 has a top 876 and a bottom 877, with an upper spacer 880 at or near the top 876 of the side member 875 that supports an upper carriage sleeve 885 offset from the side member 875. A hole 886 is defined through the sleeve for receiving a set screw. A middle spacer 890 at or near the midpoint of the side member 875 supports a middle carriage sleeve 895, which also defines a hole 896 therethrough for receiving a set screw. A lower spacer 900 at or near the bottom 877 of the side member 875 supports a lower carriage sleeve 905 that also defines a hole 906 therethrough for receiving a set screw. The upper carriage sleeve 885, the middle carriage sleeve 895 and the lower carriage sleeve 905 preferably have generally circular profiles and are preferably concentrically aligned along an axis parallel to the side beam 875.
The second side member 910 is constructed in the same manner as the first side member 870, except as a mirror image, including a top beam 911, a bottom beam 912 and a side beam 915. The side beam 915 includes an upper carriage sleeve 925, a middle carriage sleeve 935 and a lower carriage sleeve 945 that, like their counterparts on the first side member, preferably have generally circular profiles and are concentrically aligned along an axis parallel to the side beam 915.
Both side members 870, 910 include an indexed pin 950 having opposed ends 951 and 952 and including a shaft 960 having a generally circular cross-sectional profile spans between ends 951 and 952. An upper dimple 965, a middle dimple 966 and a lower dimple 967 are formed into the shaft, are radially aligned and are arranged to coincide or align with the set screw holes 886, 896 and 906, respectively. Index holes 970, 975 are defined in the shaft near a respective end 951 and 952. The index holes 970, 975 are spaced radially around the shaft.
Two collars 980 and 985 are provided at opposite ends of the indexed pin and beneath the respective top and bottom collars 885, 905. The indexed pin 950 can be received within the carriage sleeves 885, 895 and 905 on the first side member 870, and through the sleeves 925, 935 and 945 on the second side member 910 of the carriage 850. The collars 980 and 985 longitudinally lock the indexed pin relative to the carriage 850. Set screws can be inserted through holes 886,896 and 906 to contact the dimples 965, 966 and 967, respectively, to rotationally lock the indexed pin 950 relative to the carriage 850.
Arm 1050 has ends 1051 and 1052, as best shown in
The arm 1050 can pivot about the shaft 960 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the fastener is unfastened or in an unlocked position. The fastener 1061 can be fastened wherein the pin is inserted into one of the indexing holes 970 to lock the arm is a radial position relative to the carriage 850.
A handle 1120 is provided having ends 1121 and 1122, with a grip 1130 at end 1122 and a handle sleeve 1135 at end 1121. A fastener 1136, such as a pop pin, is provided at the handle sleeve 1135. The handle 1120 can be concentrically positioned on a shaft 1090 between the distal arm sleeve 1070 and collar 1135. The handle 1120 can pivot about the shaft 1090 when the fastener 1136 is unfastened. The fastener can be inserted into one of the index holes 1105, defined in the shaft 1090, to lock the handle in a radial position relative to the arm 1050. In an alternative embodiment, the pop pin fastener 1136 and index holes 1105 can be replaced with a ratcheting or locking gear mechanism that permits pivoting the handle 1120 relative to the arm 1050 and fixing the handle in different pivot positions.
A second handle 1140 can also provided that is configured like the handle 1120. The fastener 1146 can engage one of the index holes 1147 near the bottom of the shaft 1090 to fix the handle in position relative to the arm 1050. Both handles 1120 and 1140 can be independently rotated or fixed about a rotation axis extending through the sleeve 1070.
A second arm 1200 is provided that is similar in function and structure to arm 1050. The first arm 1050 extends or angles upward, while the second arm 1200 extends or angles downward. The second arm can include first and second handles like the handles 1120 and 1140 described above. Additional arms and handles can be provided on the opposite side of the machine for mounting on the second side beam 915.
It is appreciated that each arm and each handle can be individually locked in a rotational position or remain free to rotate relative to a corresponding shaft so that the machine 800 can be tailored to the workout needs of an individual, as reflected in
Assembly of the carriage 850 includes the following steps:
-
- Insert indexed pin 950 for the carriage first side through the upper carriage sleeve 885, through an upper arm 1050 sleeve 1060, through the middle carriage sleeve 895, through a lower arm sleeve, and through the lower carriage sleeve 905.
- Place collars 980, 985 on the top and bottom of the shaft 960 to longitudinally lock the indexed pin 950 in place relative to the carriage first side.
- Insert set screws (not shown) through the holes 886, 896, 906 in the carriage sleeves 885, 895, 905, respectively, to contact the dimples 965, 966, 967 in the shaft 960 to rotationally lock the indexed pin relative to the carriage.
- Repeat steps on second side of the carriage to assemble the upper and lower second carriage side arms.
- For the first arm 1050, extend the indexed pin 1090 through the sleeve 1135 of one handle 1120.
- Insert the indexed pin 1090 through the distal arm sleeve 1070.
- Place the sleeve of a second handle 1140 onto the indexed pin 1090 below the distal arm sleeve.
- Use collars 1147 to longitudinally lock the sleeves of the handles onto the indexed pin.
- Use set screw to rotationally lock the indexed pin 1090 relative to the distal sleeve 1070.
- Repeat handle installation on the second, third and further arms.
The carriage 800 can be incorporated into a horizontal workout machine 1310, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiments, the drive systems for the machines 10, 510, 700 and 800 incorporate the racks 170, 180 and pinion gears 280 driven by the motor 250. An alternative drive system 1400 is shown in
The present disclosure should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only certain embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
Claims
1. An exercise machine comprising:
- a frame having a base configured to be supported on a floor;
- a beam supported on the frame;
- a housing encircling said beam and including a bearing assembly for moveably supporting the housing on the beam for movement of the housing along the length of the beam;
- a drive assembly, including a drive motor, operably coupled to said housing to move said housing along said beam;
- a user-engagable component mounted to and movable with the housing for movement with the housing during operation of the drive motor; and
- a controller operably coupled to the drive motor to operate the drive motor to move the user-engagable component when said component is engaged by the user.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the user-engageable component includes at least one arm with at least one handle configured to be manually grasped by the user
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said frame includes a seat on which the user sits when engaging said user-engageable component.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein said user-engageable component includes a foot plate arranged to be engaged by the feet of the user when the user is seated on said seat.
5. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the user-engageable component includes at least one arm with at least one handle configured and arranged to be manually grasped by the user when the user is seated on the seat.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said beam is arranged substantially vertically relative to said base.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said beam is arranged substantially horizontally relative to said base.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said drive motor is a reversible variable speed motor.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a load cell between the drive motor and the user-engageable component configured to determine the amount of force applied by the user to the user-engageable component.
10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein said load cell is engaged by said user-engageable component when the user applies force thereto.
11. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein said load cell is carried by said housing.
12. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein:
- said user-engageable component includes; a vertical beam mounted to said housing; and a foot plate mounted to said vertical beam; and
- said load cell is mounted between said vertical beam and said foot plate so that force applied to said foot plate applies a force to said load cell.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:
- said beam includes at least one flange and a web perpendicular to said at least one flange; and
- said bearing assembly includes at least four bearings rotatably engaging said at least one flange and at least four bearings rotatably engaging said web.
14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly includes:
- at least one rack gear mounted to the beam;
- at least one pinion gear configured for meshed engagement with the at least one gear rack; and
- a drive motor operably coupled to the at least one pinion gear to rotate the at least one pinion gear along the at least one gear rack.
15. The exercise machine of claim 14, wherein said drive motor is operably coupled to said at least one pinion gear by a gearbox coupled between an output shaft of said drive motor and an axle on which the at least one pinion gear is mounted for rotation with said axle.
16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:
- said drive motor is carried by said housing with said output shaft of said drive motor extending substantially parallel to said beam; and
- said axle of said gearbox extends substantially perpendicular to said beam.
17. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said drive assembly includes a continuous drive element engaged to said housing and said drive motor engages the continuous drive element to move the drive element.
18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein:
- said continuous drive element is a continuous chain mounted between an idler gear and a drive gear; and
- said drive motor is coupled to said drive gear to rotate said drive gear.
19. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein said user-engageable component includes at least one arm supported on said housing and at least one handle adjustably mounted to said at least one arm for manual engagement by the user.
20. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said user-engageable component includes:
- a vertical beam mounted to said housing;
- a frame mounted to said vertical beam;
- at least one arm pivotably mounted at one end thereof to said frame, said at least one arm including a manually graspable handle at an opposite end of said at least one arm, said at least one arm pivotably mounted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis relative to said frame; and
- a locking device for locking said at least one arm at a pivot location of said at least one arm.
Type: Application
Filed: May 14, 2018
Publication Date: Nov 15, 2018
Inventors: Ariel E. Huskins (Greenfield, IN), Randy Royce Rindfleisch (Sheboygan, WI), Ryan Guzman (Greenfield, IN), James Colles (Greenfield, IN)
Application Number: 15/978,798