Isometric Grip Device and Method of Exercise
There is provided a device and method of exercise using an isometric gripping device. The device is a lightweight, portable and compact exercise device which enables a user to perform isometric exercises in a manner permitting the user to quantify results and time the length of the isometric contraction. The device is designed for static contractions where there is no visible movement of the device when force is applied. In practice, the device has a grip movement of about 0.020″ under contraction. The device comprises a body section with a handle portion grip on each side opposite another, an internal frame assembly with electronic circuitry, power source (e.g. batter operated), a power switch, electronic display, strain gauge bar with attached sensor, and a timing mechanism. The user is able to visually see the level of force on a display screen and set the duration of time of the exercise.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application no. 61/275,826, filed on Sep. 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a portable electronic exercise device for measuring applied force during isometric exercise.
2. Background
Isometric exercise devices currently exist for providing a method of exercise for building muscle strength through static contraction. Current methods and devices for isometric exercise are normally mechanical devices that implement multiple moving parts using springs or bands to provide some measure of applied force. Some of the more prevalent isometric exercise equipment includes devices which involve spring loaded contracting cylinders and additional resistance through the use of cables. However, such equipment does not provide for accuracy in measuring forces during isometric contraction and neither can such mechanical devices provide for feedback on performance during a workout. Such devices are further bulky, heavy, and unwieldy especially for those who may want to travel with a device or use it in small increments for rehabilitation. With all the multitude of movable parts, such devices are further prone to premature break down. Other electronic versions of isometric exercise equipment involve large work bench type equipment, but do not provide for the convenience of easy portability and a compact size.
An important aspect of isometric exercise is the length of time a contraction is held in order to build strength and therefore the user would be interested in timing such exercise repetitions. Such prior devices do not provide for a convenient and smart timer that not only counts down time but is further relative to the applied force of the user. Therefore, there exists a need for a lightweight, portable, compact, electronic isometric exercise device that accurately provides feedback to the user. There exists a need for such a durable device that accurately measures both an applied push and pull force, and provides computed readings to the user such as average force applied during a contraction, peak force to test strength and timing for isometric contractions.
SUMMARYAn object of the device according to embodiments of the present invention is to solve the need for a lightweight, portable, durable and convenient isometric exercise device. An object is to further have the device provide real-time, accurate feedback to the user to maximize a workout with the device. The devices measures performance, average strength, peak strength and timed contractions during workout. The device provides the user the benefits of conventional weight training while using an isometric exercise in that, a workout can be maximized by progressively loading more resistance to each set for work on the muscle. According to another object of the present invention, there is provided an isometric electronic exercise device that provides a visual display and audio feedback to the user. Other objects include providing an isometric exercise device that is convenient to travel with and store. A further object is to provide a non-bulky, compact, and easy to manipulate isometric exercise device for users who may not have a large range of motion such as those who need rehabilitative exercises or the elderly. Therefore, an object of the isometric exercise device is to build up upper body muscle strength, muscle tone and bone density, using a device that measures both push and pull while having the aid of feedback information of a user's performance.
The isometric grip device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a lightweight portable exercise device which enables a user to perform isometric exercises in a manner permitting the user to quantify results as well as time the length of the isometric contraction. The device is designed for static contractions where there is no visible movement of the device when force is applied. In actuality, the device has a grip movement of about 0.020″ under contraction. The user is able to visually see the level of force on a display screen and set the duration of time of the exercise. The battery operated device comprises of two grips, an on-off switch, an electronic display, strain gauge bar with attached sensor, and a timing mechanism.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable electronic device for isometric exercise comprising: a housing body having oppositely disposed grip elements; an internal frame assembly within the housing body, the frame assembly comprising oppositely disposed brackets coupled to a strain gauge bar disposed between the brackets, each bracket coupled to each oppositely disposed grip element; a sensor attached to the strain gauge bar for measuring a degree of force applied to the grip elements; an electronic circuit coupled to the sensor for processing a signal received from the sensor and calculating the force applied to the grip elements; and a display for displaying information including information processed from the electronic circuit; and a power source coupled to the electronic circuit; wherein the sensor measures applied force from each opposing gripping element simultaneously and the device comprises no visual movement during the force applied. A method of exercising using a portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to an embodiment of the present invention is further provided.
These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.
The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more currently preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the device 1 shown in
As shown in
As illustrated in
The sensor 40 measures the simultaneous force applied from both grips as multiple inputs. It will measure the peak force to test the strength of the user. A timer 36 as shown on the right side allows the user to set the time from six to twenty seconds to hold a contraction, and when force is applied, the timer will count down on screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The timer is not limited to a program time of six to twenty seconds, but may be in varying other increments and length of time. As shown in
As illustrated in
The theory of operation and programming of the circuit 30 is described in
As discussed above, the device comprises a frame assembly 80 internal to the device housing 2 as illustrated in the exploded assembly view of
The grips 3, 4 are custom designed using natural rubber to serve a number of purposes. As illustrated in the perspective view of
The body housing 2 of the device consists of four components. As illustrated in
As shown in
The diagrams of
Furthermore, a sequence of the assembly process of the device is illustrated in
A custom designed label to fit into a recess area of the top bezel may be applied to the finished device as shown in
The operation of the device is described further according to an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the user activates the device by pressing the on-off switch 42 to turn the device on, and the user is able to measure both push and pull force by applying pressure to the grips 3, 4. This force is measured in pounds on the electronic display 5 in three large numerals. While the device is in the on mode only, the device will capture the peak force and display it for three seconds when the force is released by the user, whether it be push or pull. The timing portion of the device is activated by pressing the timer button 41 which can be set from six to twenty seconds depending on the length of static contraction the user prefers. The time setting is achieved by continuous activation of the timer button 41 which will increase in one second increments per activation. When the timer reaches twenty seconds, it will start over at six seconds upon the next activation. The timer information will appear on the display 5 in small numerals on the right side of the display screen 5. When five or more pounds of force, whether it be push or pull is applied to the grips 3,4, the timer for the static contraction will begin to count down. As the force is displayed in large numerals on the left side of the screen, the timer in smaller numerals will count down on the right side of the screen. If force is released during the contraction timing period, the timer will reset to the user's programmed time. If the force is maintained throughout the timing period, the following will happen when the timer reaches zero:
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- 1.A short audio tone (or visual indication) will notify the user that the contraction period is complete.
- 2. The average force applied during the time period of the static contraction will display on the screen for three seconds. This average is derived by taking samplings each second and deriving the average upon the completion of the timer cycle. A programmed internal memory chip provides this function.
The device is designed to build upper body muscle strength, bone density, and muscle tone. The device benefits the user by providing the user with the needed information to maximize their workout. The concept for the device is to allow the user to do isometric exercise in much the same manner as one would do conventional weight training. This is achieved by maximizing a workout by progressively loading more resistance each set to work the muscle. Through the ability of the device to measure both push and pull force, a user can now do an isometric exercise and maximize his/her result by increasing the force to a predetermined resistance on each subsequent set. In addition, the user, during a static contraction, will visually be able to see that if the user tires and the force begins to decline, Accordingly, the user can now work harder to maintain the force through the use of recruiting secondary motor units (muscle fibers) to maintain the original force applied, thus receiving full benefit from the workout.
The internal components of the device comprise of the following:
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- 1. custom made printed circuit board 30.
- 2. internal memory for both the timer average force calibration, and the capturing of peak force.
- 3. wide angle viewing display 5 to allow user to view from any angle.
- 4. strain gauge technology is incorporated to measure both push and pull applied force.
The strain gauge bar 20 is custom designed and machined to fit between internal brackets 60, 62 that connect to the grips 3, 4. A force of up to 200 lbs can be measured.
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- 5. a power source 35 such as a 9-volt battery will power the portable exercise device.
The physical appearance of the device is custom designed for ease of use, portability, and displaying the screen at an angle for simple viewing. The plastic housing 2 comprises of four parts; a front 92, back 94 and top bezel 90, and a removable battery door 96. The plastic body housing 2 is held in place by a special rubber grip design whereby the ends of each grip 3, 4 act as gaskets 74, 74, 75, 76 to hold the plastic housing 2 in place in both the lateral and vertical directions. The plastic body housing 2 is not directly attached to the brackets 60, 62 because that would affect the force applied to the strain gauge movement. The plastic housing 2 is held in position by the gaskets to provide a housing that does not restrict movement. There is no detectable movement of the grips as force is applied Movement in both the press/push and pull is less than 20 thousandths of an inch.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the construction of the device consists of two internal 3/16″ steel brackets 60, 62 that are attached to an aluminum handle core 72 covered with a rubber grip. Both brackets are jointly connected to a strain gauge bar 20 with a sensor 40 attached to measure its deflection when either a push or pull force is applied. The sensor 40 is attached to a printed circuit board 30 with a built in lighted display 5 to measure the results of the applied force and time an isometric contraction. The electronics are powered by a 9-volt battery 35 and the entire framework 80 (except for the grips and display screen) is housed inside a four-part ABS plastic housing 2.
Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments or alternatives of the foregoing description.
Claims
1. A portable electronic device for isometric exercise comprising:
- a housing body having oppositely disposed grip elements;
- an internal frame assembly within the housing body, the frame assembly comprising oppositely disposed brackets coupled to a strain gauge bar disposed between the brackets, each bracket coupled to each oppositely disposed grip element; a sensor attached to the strain gauge bar for measuring a degree of force applied to the grip elements; an electronic circuit coupled to the sensor for processing a signal received from the sensor and calculating the force applied to the grip elements; and
- a display for displaying information including information processed from the electronic circuit; and
- a power source coupled to the electronic circuit; wherein the sensor measures applied force from each opposing gripping element simultaneously and the device comprises no visual movement during the force applied.
2. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, wherein the oppositely disposed brackets each comprise a top horizontal bracket arm and a bottom horizontal bracket arm extending from a vertical section of the bracket, and each grip element comprises a top end and a bottom end for attaching to a distal end of each respective top bracket arm and bottom bracket arm.
3. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 2, wherein each grip element comprises a core section surrounded by a rubber grip sleeve, each core section extending partially out from a top and bottom of the sleeve forming a gasket end.
4. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 3, wherein the housing body further comprises a front cover, a rear cover and a top bezel for encasing the internal frame assembly, strain gauge bar, sensor, electronic circuit, and power source, such that front cover and rear cover attach at each gasket end of the opposing grip elements.
5. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, wherein the strain gauge bar comprises threaded through holes at a top end and a bottom end for screw attachment to a vertical section of each bracket, such that the strain gauge bar is sandwiched between the respective vertical section of each bracket.
6. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 5, wherein the vertical section of each bracket comprise curved side walls.
7. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, strain gauge bar comprises a top section having a stepped out configuration and a bottom section having a stepped out configuration.
8. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, wherein the housing body further comprises a front cover, a rear cover and a top bezel for encasing the internal frame assembly, strain gauge bar, sensor, electronic circuit, and power source, such that the opposing grip elements remain exposed.
9. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, further comprising a timing mechanism coupled to the electronic circuit through a timer switch.
10. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, wherein a maximum deflection in a movement of a grip element is about 0.020 inches under contraction.
11. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a memory and calculates an average force and a peak force over a timed contraction.
12. A portable electronic device for isometric exercise comprising:
- a housing body having oppositely disposed grip elements;
- an internal frame assembly within the housing body, the frame assembly comprising oppositely disposed brackets coupled to a strain gauge bar disposed between the brackets, each bracket coupled to each oppositely disposed grip element at a top end and a bottom end of each grip element; a sensor attached to the strain gauge bar for measuring a degree of force applied to the grip elements; an electronic circuit coupled to the sensor for processing a signal received from the sensor and calculating the force applied to the grip elements;
- a display for displaying information including information processed from the electronic circuit;
- a timing mechanism coupled to the electronic circuit through a timer switch;
- a power source coupled to the electronic circuit; and
- power switch coupled to the electronic circuit;
- wherein the sensor measures applied force from each opposing gripping element simultaneously and the device comprises no visual movement during the force applied.
13. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 12, further comprising a speaker coupled to the electronic circuit for providing an audible tone.
14. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 12, wherein the timer mechanism provides a time countdown for an isometric contraction performed by a user.
15. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 14, wherein the timer mechanism provides a time countdown for a selected period of time for an isometric contraction performed by a user and resets the time countdown when the isometric contraction is released.
16. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 12,
- wherein the oppositely disposed brackets each comprise a top horizontal bracket arm and a bottom horizontal bracket arm extending from a vertical section of the bracket, each arm having a distal end attached to the top end and the bottom end of each grip element respectively, and
- the strain gauge bar further comprises threaded through holes at a stepped out top end and a stepped out bottom end for screw attachment to a vertical section of each bracket, such that the strain gauge bar measures a flex for both a push and pull force.
17. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 12, wherein the housing body further comprises a front cover, a rear cover and a top bezel for encasing the internal frame assembly, strain gauge bar, sensor, electronic circuit, and power source, such that the opposing grip elements remain exposed.
18. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 12, wherein the electronic circuit calculates an average force and a peak force over a timed contraction.
19. A portable electronic device for isometric exercise comprising:
- a housing body having oppositely disposed grip elements;
- an internal frame assembly within the housing body, the frame assembly comprising oppositely disposed brackets, each bracket having a vertical section, a top arm extending from one end of the vertical section and a bottom arm extending from another end of the vertical section, each top arm and each bottom arm coupled to each oppositely disposed grip element at a top end and a bottom end of each grip element respectively; a strain gauge bar disposed between the vertical section of each bracket, the strain gauge bar having a stepped out top end and a stepped out bottom end; a sensor attached to the strain gauge bar for measuring a degree of force applied to the grip elements; an electronic circuit coupled to the sensor for processing a signal received from the sensor and calculating the force applied to the grip elements;
- a display for displaying information including information processed from the electronic circuit; and
- a power source coupled to the electronic circuit; wherein the sensor measures applied force from each opposing gripping element simultaneously and the device comprises no visual movement during the force applied.
20. The portable electronic device for isometric exercise according to claim 19, wherein a memory of the electronic circuit stores information on a plurality of sessions of force applied over a timed contraction.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 3, 2010
Publication Date: Mar 17, 2011
Inventors: Thomas Joseph Cohn (Los Gatos, CA), Scott Thomas Cohn (Los Gatos, CA), Nicki LaCroix (Clovis, CA)
Application Number: 12/876,083
International Classification: A63B 71/00 (20060101); A63B 21/002 (20060101);