Exercise machine with leverage arm
An exercise machine utilizes the inherent capabilities of human muscles to exert greater forces during eccentric functions than during concentric functions. The exercise machine comprises a leverage arm pivotally connected to a frame. A force station is at a first distance from the pivotal connection. During a concentric muscle function, a person lifts first weights on the leverage arm. At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small force to the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection. The small force produces a magnified load at the force station that the person resists during an eccentric muscle function. The leverage arm may be adjustable relative to the floor. The weight of the leverage arm may be counterbalanced. Various embodiments of the exercise machine utilize the same principles of physics for exercising different muscles.
This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/233,036, filed 3 Sep. 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to exercise machines, and more particularly to apparatus that produces different loads during concentric and eccentric muscle functions of an exercising person.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The physiology of human muscles enables them to function in three different ways. The first is a positive or concentric function in which the muscles contract under a load that is less than the muscle strength. The second way 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 muscle function 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 muscles perform much more efficiently during eccentric functions than during concentric or isometric functions. The same muscle can exert a greater force during eccentric functions than it can during either concentric or isometric functions. In addition, the energy expended, and the associated electrical activities or pulses of the muscle nervous system, are greater during concentric and isometric functions compared to eccentric functions when overcoming the same load.
Various types of equipment have been developed to assist persons exercise their muscles. The equipment ranges from simple hand-held barbells to complicated and expensive hydraulically controlled machines. Many machines are very specialized in that they are designed to exercise only one or a very limited set of muscles.
With only very few exceptions, prior exercise machines have not taken advantage of the muscle physiology related to the differences in efficiency between concentric and eccentric functions. Almost all known prior machines impose a single load that the person must overcome during both concentric and eccentric muscle functions. A few prior exercise machines were capable of imposing different loads for concentric and eccentric muscle functions, but those machines invariably included very expensive and complicated hydraulic systems.
Examples of prior mechanical exercise machines are plentiful. The Powertec Direct Company of Milford, Pa., markets a wide variety of equipment for exercising many of the body's muscles such as legs, back, chest, thigh, and arms. The Hammer Strength Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Promaxima Manufacturing Limited of Houston, Tex., also market respective lines of mechanical exercising equipment.
Many of the commercially available exercise machines utilize one or more pivoting beams. One end of the beam is pivoted to a frame. The beam supports one or more weights. The exercising person oscillates the beam and weights by alternately performing concentric and eccentric functions by the appropriate muscles. The beam and weight design of prior equipment imposes the same load for both the concentric and eccentric muscle functions.
A typical example of prior equipment is the bench press, such as is marketed by the Powertec Direct Company. Somewhat similar equipment is shown in PCT patent WO89/01805. Other examples of beam and weight type exercising machines may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,050,873; 5,066,003; 5,125,881; 5,135,449; 5,135,456; 5,171,198; 5,180,354; 5,181,896; 5,273,504; 5,273,505; and Des 321,391. No machine of the foregoing patents gives any indication that different loads should be overcome by the person during concentric and eccentric functions of his muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows equipment that takes into account the inherent ability of human muscles to perform differently during concentric and eccentric functions. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows a harness that is worn by an exercising person. A spotter operates a rope that is tied to the harness through a block and tackle in order to assist the person to raise weights during concentric muscle functions. During the eccentric muscle functions, the spotter allows an increased load to be imposed on the exercising person.
Despite the widespread availability of numerous different kinds of exercise machines, further improvements to them are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention, an exercise machine having a leverage arm is provided that greatly increases the efficiency of muscle development. This is accomplished by using the leverage arm to change the load a person must overcome during concentric and eccentric muscle functions.
The exercise machine is comprised of a frame that rests on a floor. A leverage arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The leverage arm includes a force station that pivots with the leverage arm relative to the frame. A support for a person is attached to the frame. The support and the force station are located relative to each other to enable a person to exercise a particular set of muscles. The force station is at a first distance that is as close as practical to the pivotal connection of the leverage arm to the frame. A spotter end of the leverage arm is at a second distance from the pivotal connection. Preferably, the ratio of the second distance to the first distance is approximately four to one. Depending on the particular muscles that are to be exercised, the force station may be on the same side or on the opposite side of the pivotal connection as the leverage arm spotter end. The leverage arm has weight bars for holding first weights. The weight bars may, but need not be, at the leverage arm spotter end.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is an adjuster on the leverage arm. The adjuster holds the leverage arm spotter end off the floor. The adjuster is adjustable on the leverage arm so as to vary the location of the force station relative to the support.
In use, an exercising person places desired first weights on the weight bars. A spotter stands adjacent the leverage arm spotter end. The person places himself in the appropriate way on the machine support. He contacts the force station with the appropriate part of his body. He exerts the appropriate muscles in a concentric function to overcome the gravitational load of the first weights and pivot the leverage arm upwardly.
At the end of the concentric muscle function, the spotter applies a small force on the spotter end of the leverage arm. The small force may be a small weight applied to the leverage arm. Alternately, the spotter may put downwardly on the leverage arm with his hands. The small force acts through the second distance between the leverage arm spotter end and the pivotal connection of the leverage arm with the frame to create a torque. Since the second distance is greater than the first distance between the force station and the pivotal connection of the leverage arm to the frame, a resultant load equal to the small applied force times the ratio of the second distance to the first distance is imposed at the force station. During the eccentric muscle function, therefore, the person exerts a force that resists the sum of the gravitational load of the first weights plus the resultant load of the small applied force. At the end of the eccentric muscle function, the spotter removes the small force from the leverage arm. The exercising person then repeats the concentric muscle function, again overcoming only the gravitational load produced by the first weights, and the cycle repeats. In that manner, the person makes maximum use of his different muscle abilities to overcome different loads during concentric and eccentric functions.
The weight of the leverage arm adds to the gravitational load of the first weights that the exercising person must overcome during concentric muscle functions and resist during eccentric muscle functions. In some instances, it may desirable to negate the weight of the leverage arm such that the person must exert muscle functions involving only the first weights and the small applied force. In those situations, the exercise machine of the invention is designed with a counterweight arm on the opposite side of the pivotal connection with the frame as the leverage arm. Counterweights are added to the counterweight arm such that a torque created about the pivotal connection between the counterweight arm and the frame by the counterweights equals [he torque created by the weight. of the leverage arm.
It is an important feature of the invention that it is adaptable to exercising any of a wide variety of muscles. In one embodiment the exercise machine is in the form of a bench press. Other embodiments are especially useful to enable a person to perform squat, leg extension, leg curl, leg press, and other well-known exercises. The different embodiments of the invention have the same basic frame and leverage arm. Only the support and the force station vary to suit the particular exercise to be performed. In each type of exercise machine, the same laws of physics are used by the leverage arm and small force applied to it by a spotter at the end of each concentric muscle function. As a result, maximum efficiency is attained for the particular muscle that is exercised on the machine.
The method and apparatus of the invention, using a leverage arm that produces a magnified load at a force station of a small force selectively applied to the leverage arm, thus greatly increases the efficiency of exercise workouts. The full ability of the exercising person to resist a greater load during eccentric muscle functions than he overcomes during concentric functions is realized, even though the spotter need apply only a small force.
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring first to
The exercise machine 1 is comprised of a frame 3, a leverage arm 5, and a support 6. The leverage arm 5 is pivotally connected to the frame 3 at bearings 7. The bearings 7 define a common pivotal axis 8. The leverage arm 5 is pivotable in the directions of arrows 9 and 11 about the axis 8.
In the particular exercise machine 1 shown, the frame 3 is made with two upstanding posts 13 that are fixed to two transverse braces 14 and 15 of a stabilizer 27. The stabilizer 27 is perpendicular to the pivotal axis 8. A second end of the stabilizer 27 includes a short stub leg 26. On the bottom of the stabilizer stub leg 26 is a foot plate 29 that is supported on the floor 19. The stabilizer foot plate 29 cooperates with the post foot plates 17 to form a stable three-point tripod-type frame.
The support 6 of the exercise machine 1 is in the general form of a horizontal bench 21. The support has a first vertical leg 18 that is attached to the frame braces 14 and 15. A second vertical leg 28 upstands from the stub leg 26 of the frame 3. Between the tops of the legs 18 and 28 is a cross-plate 29. A horizontal pad 31 is on the cross-plate 29. The pad 31 may be a sturdy flat board made of wood or similar material. The hoard is covered with a comfortable padding and durable cover, such as vinyl.
In the illustrated exercise machine 1, the leverage arm 5 is comprised of two parallel beams 33. A first end 35 of each beam 33 is pivotally connected to a respective frame post 13 by a bearing 7. Preferably, the bearings are in the form of pillow blocks that are bolted to the posts. Each beam has a first section 37 adjacent the first end 35, and a second section 41 next to the first section. In the illustrated construction, the second section 41 angles downwardly relative to the first section toward the floor 19. The second section terminates at a spotter end 45 of the beam. A spotter bar 47 is joined to the two beams near their respective spotter ends 45. The spotter bar 47 is at a distance D from the common pivotal axis 8 of the bearings 7. Also see
There is a beam adjuster 49 assembled to each beam 33 of the leverage arm 5. Each beam adjuster 49 is composed of a flanged channel 51 mounted to the associated beam by fasteners 52. A tubular column 53 is slideable between the beam and the channel 51. At the lower end of the column 53 is an enlarged foot 58 that rests on the floor 19. A pin 54 is removably insertable through an aligned set of holes in the channel and any of several holes 36 in the column. The columns can be slid in the channels to the desired position relative to the beams and maintained there by means of the pins 54. Consequently, the angular orientation of the leverage arm relative to the floor and to the bench 21 is adjustable.
Overlying the bench 21 is a force station 36. In the particular bench press exercise machine 1 shown, the force station 36 is in the forms of a lift bar 55. The lift bar 55 extends between the first sections 37 of the beams 33. Preferably, the opposite ends of the lift bar are rotatably supported in respective pillow blocks 57 that are bolted to the beams. The lift bar is at a distance D1 from the pivotal axis 8 of the frame bearings 7,
Rigidly secured to and projecting outwardly from each first section 37 of each beam 33 is a weight bar 59. The weight bars 59 may be generally aligned with the lift bar 55. Preferably, the weight bars angle upwardly by approximately ten degrees.
Turning to
At the end of the concentric muscle function, a spotter, not shown, hangs a small weight 67 of weight W1 on the spotter bar 47. See
Instead of using a separate small weight 67 during eccentric muscle functions, the spotter may apply a small force to time spotter bar 47 by pushing downwardly lightly with his hands on the spotter bar 47. The manual force applied by the spotter is analogous to the weight W1 of the small weight 67. The small manual force acts through the distance D and imposes a resultant load W2 at the force station 36 in the same manner as the small weight 67.
As an example of a preferred embodiment of the bench press exercise machine 1, the lift bar 55 of the force station 36 is approximately 18 inches from the axis 8. The spotter bar 47 is approximately 72 inches from the axis 8. Assuming the first weights 63 weigh 100 pounds, and assuming the person has 25 percent greater muscle capability in the eccentric function than in the concentric function, the small applied weight 67, or the slight force by the spotter's hands, need be only approximately six pounds. A six pound applied force magnifies to a 24 pound gravitational load at the lift bar that the person resists during eccentric muscle functions. Maximum efficiency of the bench press exercise machine is thus achieved with but minimal effort on the part of the spotter. Because of the angled construction of the leverage beam second sections 41, the spotter does not have to reach very high in order to hang the small weight 67 or apply the manual force.
Looking at
The leverage arm 169 of the exercise machine 167 has two weight bars 171 on the associated beams 33′. The weight bars 171 are close to the spotter ends 45′ of the beams 33′ rather than at the force station 36′. First weights 173 placed on the weight bars 171 produce a magnified gravitational load at the lift bar 55′. For example, for an exercise machine 167 having the same dimensions as the exercise machine 1 previously described, first weights of 25 pounds produce the same load at the lift bar 55′ as the 100 pounds first weights 63. Again a small weight or manual force of approximately six pounds on the spotter bar 47′ produces a 25 percent increase in the force the exercising person must exert during eccentric muscle functions.
Returning to
Turning to
For the bench press exercise machine 129, the force station 138 is a lift bar 148 that extends between and is secured to the beams 139 over the bench 137. The exercise machine 129 is depicted as having first weight bars 150 projecting outwardly and slightly upwardly from the second sections 147 of the beams 139 near their respective spotter ends 146. However, if desired, the weight bars could project outwardly from the force station 138 in line with the lift bar 148 in the manner of the exercise machine 1 of
The exercise machine 129 further includes a counterweight, arm 143 that is on the opposite side of the bearings 135 as the leverage arm 133. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight arm 143 is constructed as two counterweight beams 144 that are integral and colinear with the associated leverage arm beams 139. The counterweight beams 144 extend oppositely of the pivotal axis 151 from the respective leverage arm beams. At the free end 152 of each counterweight arm beam 144 is a counterweight bar 153.
Initially, no weights are put on either the first weight bars 150 or on the counterweight bars 153. In that situation, the weight of the leverage arm 133 creates a first torque T1 about the bearings 135. Also see
The exercise machine 129 is used in a manner similar to the bench press exercise machines 1 and 167 described previously. The person places first weights 163 on the weight bars 150. During exercising, the person must overcome only the gravitational load of the first weights 163 during concentric muscle functions. A spotter, not shown, applies a small weight or force with his hands to the spotter bar 145 during eccentric muscle functions of the exercising person, as explained previously.
Further in accordance with the present invention the physics principles associated with the leverage arm is adaptable to numerous types of exercise machines. In each case, the exercise machine comprises a frame, a support for a person's body, arid a leverage arm with a force station. Further, the principles associated with the counterweight arms and counterweights are applicable to nurse cons types of exercise machines. For example, as explained, the exercise machine 129 with the counterweight arm 143 and counterweights 161 is depicted as being in the form a bench press machine. Looking at
A leverage arm 81 is pivotally connected to the frame posts 73 at bearings 74. The distance of the bearings 74 above the support platform 82 is approximately five feet. The particular leverage arm 81 illustrated has two parallel beams 85 with respective spotter ends 87. Each beam 85 has a first section 76 and a second section 78 that angles toward the floor 19′. The spotter ends 87 of the beams 90 are joined by a spotter bar 104. There is an adjuster 106 and weight bar 108 on each beam 85 near its spotter end 87.
The exercise machine 67 further has a counterweight arm 88 in the form of two beams 90 that are integral and co-planer with associated leverage arm beams 85. At the free end 92 of each counterweight beam 90 is a counterweight bar 96 on which can be placed a counterweight 98.
There is a force station 94 between the leverage arm spotter ends 87 and the bearings 74. In the particular squat-type exercise machine 69 illustrated, the force station 94 comprises a comfortable pad 121 on each beam 85.
To use the exercise machine 69, a person stands on the support 86. He places his shoulders against the pads 121. He exerts his leg muscles in a concentric function to pivot the leverage arm 81 in the direction of arrow 125. At the end of the concentric muscle function a spotter (not shown) applies a small weight or manual force to the spotter bar 104. The small applied force creates a magnified load at the pads 121. Consequently, the exercising person must, and is able, to exert a greater force during the eccentric muscle function.
A person uses the exercise machine 175 by kneeling on the support 195. He places his knees at the junction of the support sections 197 and 199 and places the balls of his feet against the force station 189. By exerting a force F with his calf muscles in a concentric function, the person is able to pivot the leverage arm 1.81 in the direction of arrow 201 against the gravitational load of the weights 183. A spotter applies a small weight or hand force to the leverage arms in the manner previously described for eccentric muscle functions.
A person uses the exercise machine 203 by sitting on the support seat 215 and putting his thighs under the restraint 217. With his arms, the person pushes downwardly with a force F in a concentric muscle function at the force station 219. The leverage arm 209 and the first weights 221 pivot in the direction of arrow 222 during concentric muscle functions.
For each of the exercise machines, 175, 203, 223, 239, 255, 271, 283, 291, 307, 323, and 341, the exercising person exerts a force in a concentric muscle function to overcome the first weights placed on the leverage arm. At the end of each concentric muscle function, a spotter applies a small weight or force with his hands to the leverage arm. The applied force imposes an increased gravitational load that the person is capable of controlling during the eccentric muscle functions.
In summary, the results and advantages of the different capabilities of human muscles in concentric and eccentric functions can now be more fully realized. The exercise machines of the present invention provide maximum efficiency when exercising various muscles. This desirable result comes from using the combined functions of the leverage arm. An exercising person pivots the leverage arm with first weights thereon in traditional concentric muscle functions. A small weight or manual force applied to the leverage arm spotter bar is magnified at the force station during eccentric muscle functions. The length of the leverage arm enables only a small weight or manual force applied to the spotter bar to have a significant effect at the force station. The principles of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of exercise machines, which all have in common a tripod-type frame, a support for a person, and a leverage ann. The type of support and its location relative to the force station are variable for different embodiments of the invention to suit different exercising muscles. An optional counterweight arm and counterweights cancel out the weight of the leverage arm. It will also be recognized that in addition to the superior performance of the exercise machines, their construction is such as to be less costly than traditional exercise machines. Also, since they are made of rugged materials and a simple design, the need for maintenance, is practically eliminated.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, an exercise machine with leverage arms that fully satisfies the aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method of exercising selected muscles comprising the steps of:
- a. resting a frame on a floor;
- b. pivotally connecting a leverage arm having a force station to the frame at a pivotal connection;
- c. placing first weights on the leverage arm;
- d. supporting a person on a support attached to the frame;
- e. contacting the force station with a selected part of the body of the person;
- f. exerting a concentric function with a selected muscle of the person and pivoting the leverage arm in a first direction;
- g. apply a small force to the leverage arm; and
- h. exerting an eccentric function with the selected muscle and pivoting the leverage arm in a second direction.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein:
- a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating a first torque by the leverage arm and force station about the pivotal connection; and
- b. the method of exercising comprises the further step counterbalancing the first torque about the pivotal connection with a second torque equal and opposite the first torque.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein:
- a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm having a force station that is at a first distance from the pivotal connection; and
- b. the step of applying a small force to the leverage arm comprises the step of placing a second weight on the leverage arm at a second distance greater than the first distance from the pivotal connection.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with hands of the person.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with shoulders of the person.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with feet of the person.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with the back of the person.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with the abdomen of the person.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step contacting the force station comprises the step of contacting the force station with legs of the person.
10. The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of adjusting the angular orientation of the leverage arm relative to the floor.
11. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm approximately at the first distance from the pivotal connection.
12. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm comprises the step of placing first weights on the leverage arm approximately at the second distance from the pivotal connection.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein:
- a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the steps of pivotally connecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends to the frame, and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends;
- b. the step of applying a small force comprises the step of hanging a small weight on the spotter bar.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein:
- a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of creating a first torque by the leverage arm about the pivotal connection; and
- b. the method of exercising comprises the further step of creating a second torque equal and opposite the first torque about the pivotal connection prior to placing the first weights on the leverage arm.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of creating a second torque comprises the steps of:
- a. providing a counterweight beam in operative association with each leverage arm beam and on opposite sides of the pivotal connection as the associated leverage arm beams; and
- b. adding counterweights to the counterweight beams in amounts sufficient to create the second torque.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying a small force to the leverage arm comprises the step of manually pushing on the leverage arm.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein:
- a. the step of pivotally connecting a leverage arm comprises the step of pivotally connecting a pair of beams having respective spotter ends to the frame, and joining a spotter bar to the beams spotter ends; and
- b. the step of applying a small force comprises the step of manually pushing on the spotter bar.
Type: Application
Filed: May 11, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 14, 2006
Inventor: Randy Rindfleisch (Sheboygan, WI)
Application Number: 11/432,148
International Classification: A63B 21/06 (20060101); A63B 26/00 (20060101);