APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUNTER-RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Abstract

An apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise includes a cable and pulley system and a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system. The cable and pulley system has at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley. The force sensing device is operable to generate data relating to a mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a counter-resistance exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. In one embodiment, the mechanical force applied to the cable is transferred to a load cell and the load cell converts the mechanical force to a proportional electrical signal. In another embodiment, a wireless transmitter transmits the electrical signal to a display configured for wireless communication with the transmitter and the display provides the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/289,629 filed on Dec. 23, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to exercise apparatus and methods of exercise. More particularly, the invention is an apparatus and associated method for counter-resistance exercise including a cable and pulley system, a force sensing device, a transmitter and a biometric feedback display for displaying exercise information to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

Numerous isotonic (dynamic) and isometric (static) exercise apparatus and methods of exercise are known. Isotonic exercise apparatus and methods extend and contract the muscles through a range of motion, while isometric exercise apparatus and methods work the muscles against an immovable force, commonly referred to as “overcoming isometric,” or alternatively by opposing a resistance, commonly referred to as “yielding isometric.” Both types of exercise apparatus and methods have certain advantages and disadvantages.

Isotonic type exercise apparatus and methods allow for a full range of motion, and therefore, are useful for improving flexibility and mobility, as well as strength. However, the apparatus and methods available for isotonic type exercise are typically designed to target only a specific muscle group. Furthermore, such apparatus and methods require weights or resistance elements (e.g. elastic bands, cables, ropes, springs, bars, rods, beams, etc.) that require periodic adjustment to provide the desired amount of resistance. These weights or resistance elements are typically heavy and often bulky to maneuver, and as a result, present safety concerns. In addition, the inertia of the weights or resistance elements can produce undesired effects after the exercise is concluded and the weights or resistance elements are returned to the initial exercise position.

Isometric type exercise apparatus and methods do not utilize weights or resistance elements that require adjustment and that are heavy, bulky or potentially dangerous. As a result, isometric type exercise apparatus and methods are more readily available for use away from a gym or health club, and in addition, are easier and safer to use. However, the apparatus and methods available for isometric type exercise do not allow for a full range of motion of the muscles, and provide the user with only limited control over varying the amount of resistance. Furthermore, such apparatus and methods do not permit significant variability or customization of a workout, for example a combined heavy resistance and cardio type exercise workout. In addition, isometric type exercise apparatus and methods typically do not permit significant adjustment of the force or resistance experienced by the user during the exercise.

Several isotonic and some isometric type exercise apparatus are configured to provide exercise information to the user before, during or after the exercise. In most instances, however, the exercise information is limited to data such as the static force (weight) or resistance provided by the exercise and the total number of repetitions or time expended by the exercise. The exercise information available from known apparatus and methods is useful, but does not permit the user to make adjustments to the force, resistance or speed of the exercise during the exercise. In particular, there are no known exercise apparatus and methods capable of providing biometric feedback to the user during the exercise so that the user may make real-time adjustments to the force, resistance or speed of the exercise. Real-time biometric feedback would be particularly useful for monitoring rehabilitative workouts and for performing unique combinations of aerobic and anaerobic exercise routines.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an exercise apparatus and method that combines the advantages of isotonic and isometric exercise apparatus and methods without their disadvantages. More particularly, there exists a need for an exercise apparatus and method that allows for a full range of motion, and therefore, is useful for improving flexibility and mobility, as well as strength. There exists a further need for an exercise apparatus and method that does not utilize weights or resistance elements that require adjustment and that are heavy, bulky or potentially dangerous to use. There exists a further and more specific need for an exercise apparatus and method that provides real-time biometric feedback, and thereby permits variability and customization of an exercise routine or workout for a particular user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for counter-resistance exercise including a cable and pulley system having at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley, and a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system. The force sensing device is operable to generate data relating to a mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a dynamic exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group.

In one embodiment, the cable and pulley system is mechanically coupled to a substantially rigid support and the pulley is configured to rotate relative to the support about an axle. In another embodiment, the pulley is fixed relative to the support and is formed with a substantially friction-less channel or groove, while the cable is configured to slide within the channel or groove. Regardless, the mechanical force applied to the cable of the cable and pulley system is transferred to the force sensing device, which converts the mechanical force to a proportional electrical signal.

In another embodiment, the proportional electrical signal generated by the force sensing device is provided to a transmitter electrically coupled to the force sensing device. The transmitter may be electrically connected to a display for displaying exercise information to the user. Preferably, however, the transmitter is a wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication with a display in communication with the transmitter for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

In another aspect, the invention provides an exercise machine for counter-resistance exercise including at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support, at least one substantially inelastic cable operatively coupled to the pulley, at least one of a handle and a roller mechanically coupled to the cable, and a seat for supporting a user in a position for performing a dynamic exercise in which a mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group to the cable and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. The exercise machine further includes a force sensing device operatively coupled to at least one of the cable and the pulley for measuring the mechanical force applied to the cable, a transmitter in communication with the force sensing device for transmitting an electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force, and a display in communication with the transmitter for receiving the electrical signal from the transmitter. The display is operable for generating biometric feedback relating to the exercise from the electrical signal and for providing the user with the biometric feedback.

In one embodiment, the exercise machine further includes a means for determining at least one of a range of motion or a rate of motion of the exercise. Preferably, the determining means includes a series of indicators and an associated reader for reading the series of indicators and communicating an electrical signal to the display for processing at least some of the biometric feedback. For example, the reader may be an optical transceiver that transmits an optical signal and receives a reflected optical signal from the series of indicators.

In another embodiment, the force sensing device is a load cell configured to measure the mechanical force applied to the cable and pulley system by a user during a counter-resistance exercise. In another embodiment, the exercise machine further includes a means for adjusting the location of the at least one of a handle and a roller relative to the support.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for counter-resistance exercise including providing a cable and pulley system having at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley. The method further includes applying a mechanical force to the cable by a user during the exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. The method further includes providing a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system for generating an electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force applied to the cable. The method further includes providing a transmitter for transmitting the electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force to a display, and processing the electrical signal transmitted by the transmitter to provide the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise on the display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the generic components of an apparatus for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a generic biometric feedback display configured for use with an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the center pulley and force sensing device of the counter-resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 6 in greater detail.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a force sensing device configured for use with the counter-resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The accompany drawing figures illustrate various exemplary and preferred embodiments of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise in accordance with the present invention. The exemplary embodiments shown and described herein are intended to illustrate broad concepts of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In particular, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments and equivalents thereof shown and described herein, or to specific features, advantages or objectives associated therewith.

As used herein, the term “counter-resistance exercise” is intended to refer to a dynamic (as opposed to static) exercise in which a mechanical force is applied by one muscle or muscle group and is opposed (i.e. resisted) by another muscle or muscle group. Counter-resistance exercises according to the invention are derived from isometric-style push and pull exercises. However, unlike an isometric (i.e. static) exercise, the counter-resistance exercise allows for a full range of motion with resistance being provided by and controlled by the user. In essence, the user applies a force to the apparatus with a first muscle or muscle group while opposing that force with a second muscle or muscle group, and then increases the force applied by the first muscle or muscle group without increasing the opposition provided by the second muscle or muscle group. As a result, the user moves through a desired range of motion for the particular exercise. The counter-resistance exercise can then be reversed to move the user through the same range of motion (or a different desired range of motion) in the opposite direction. In this manner, the user can control the static force of the exercise as well as the rate of the exercise and the range of motion produced by the exercise. In the embodiments shown and described herein, for example, the resistance for the counter-resistance exercise is generated by the right arm (or leg) of the user pushing against the left arm (or leg) of the user, or the converse. The difference between the mechanical force imparted by the one arm (or leg) and the resistance generated by the other arm (leg) determines the rate of the exercise and the range of motion produced by the exercise.

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the generic components of an apparatus, indicated generally at 10, for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a cable and pulley system, indicated generally at 12, and a force sensing device, indicated generally at 14, operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system. As shown, the apparatus 10 is mechanically coupled in any suitable manner (e.g. fixed) to a support, indicated generally at S. In the generic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the cable and pulley system 12 comprises a single cable 11 configured for engagement with a single pulley 13. In other embodiments, however, the cable 11 may comprise a plurality of cables or a plurality of cable segments joined together. Likewise, the pulley 13 may comprise any number of pulleys, including a pair of pulleys operatively coupled to one or more cables 11. Regardless, the cable 11 is routed around the pulley 13, and preferably around the outer periphery of the pulley 13. The pulley 13 may be configured to rotate freely in both directions relative to the support S about an axle 15, as indicated by the curved doubled-headed arrow in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the pulley 13 may be fixed relative to the support S and formed with a substantially friction-less channel or groove (not shown), while the cable 11 is configured to slide within the channel or groove with minimal friction. In either case, the force applied to the pulley 13 by the cable 11 is transferred through the axle 15 to the force sensing device 14. The force sensing device 14 converts the mechanical force, for example via an internal displacement, stress or strain gauge, to a proportional electrical signal and in turn provides the electrical signal to a transmitter 16 electrically coupled to the force sensing device. Force sensing device 14 may be any conventional means for measuring a mechanical force including by way of example and without limitation, a strain gauge, a simple spring, hydraulic or pneumatic scale, or a torque transducer. Preferably, however, the force sensing device 14 is a load cell configured to measure the mechanical force applied to the cable and pulley system 12 by a user during a counter-resistance exercise. Transmitter 16 may be a wired transmitter electrically coupled to a receiver device, but preferably is a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) transmitter configured for wireless communication to a wireless receiver device, for a purpose to be described.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. The apparatus 10 shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise machine, indicated generally at 30, commonly referred to as a “Pec-Deck Machine” when configured for horizontal movement, or a “Lat/Row Machine” when configured for vertical movement. Exercise machine 30 is conventional in design and construction with the exception that the weights or resistance elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted with the components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise. In particular, the left and right handles 32 of the exercise machine 30 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the apparatus 10, and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14 are mechanically coupled to a vertical support 34 of the exercise machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be disposed within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating pulley and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the handles 32. The housing 17, along with the pulley 13 and load cell 14, may be adjustable in a vertical direction as indicated by the linear double-headed arrow in FIG. 2 to permit users of different heights to comfortably and effectively utilize the exercise machine 30. Exercise machine 30 is further provided with a seat 36 that is preferably rotatable as indicated by the curved arrows in FIG. 2 to permit the user to exercise through a full range of motion. If desired, the seat 36 of the exercise machine 30 may also be made adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction for the comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise. Machine 30, and in particular apparatus 10, further comprises a display, indicated generally at 20, in communication with a transmitter 16 (e.g. disposed within housing 17) for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter 16. Accordingly, display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on exercise machine 30 within the line of sight of the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise machine, indicated generally at 40, commonly referred to as a “Hamstring Curl Machine.” Exercise machine 40 is conventional in design and construction with the exception that the weights or resistance elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted with the components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise. In particular, the left and right rollers 42 of the exercise machine 40 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the apparatus 10, and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14 are mechanically coupled to a vertical support 44 of the exercise machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be disposed within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating pulley and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the rollers 42. Exercise machine 40 is further provided with a torso pad 46 that may also be made adjustable in a vertical direction as indicated by the linear double-headed arrow in FIG. 3 for the comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise. Apparatus 10 further comprises a display, indicated generally at 20, in communication with a transmitter 16 (e.g. disposed within housing 17) for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter 16. Accordingly, display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on exercise machine 40 within the line of sight of the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. The apparatus 10 shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise machine, indicated generally at 50, commonly referred to as an “Arm/Hand Curl Machine.” Exercise machine 50 is conventional in design and construction with the exception that the weights and/or resistance elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted with the components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise. In particular, the left and right handles 52 of the exercise machine 50 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the apparatus 10, and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14 are mechanically coupled to a horizontal support 54 of the exercise machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be disposed within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating pulley and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the handles 52. Exercise machine 50 is further provided with a seat 56 that is preferably rotatable as indicated by the curved doubled-headed arrow in FIG. 4 to permit the user to exercise through a full range of motion. If desired, the seat 56 of the exercise machine 50 may also be made adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction for the comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise. Apparatus 10 further comprises a display, indicated generally at 20, in communication with a transmitter 16 (e.g. disposed within housing 17) for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter 16. Accordingly, display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on exercise machine 40 within the line of sight of the user.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a typical biometric feedback display, indicated generally at 20, for use with an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. The display 20 receives and processes data generated by force sensing device 14 and transmitted from the force sensing device to the display by transmitter 16. As previously mentioned, transmitter 16 is preferably a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) transmitter so that display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on an exercise machine that is within a convenient line of sight of the user, and to avoid the need to route any cords, cables or wires around moving parts of the exercise apparatus. Display 20 may be powered by an external power source and include a power cord that is routed to the display in a manner that does not interfere with operation of the exercise machine. Preferably, however, display 20 is provided with an internal power source (e.g. extended-life battery or rechargeable battery) such that no external cords or cables are required. Display 20 comprises a receiver 22 for receiving the data transmitted by wireless transmitter 16 and a microprocessor 24 (e.g. PCB) that processes the data generated by load cell 14. The microprocessor 24 thereafter controls the display of information relating to the exercise (also referred to herein as “exercise information”) to the user in digital format 26, analog (e.g. LED) format 27 and/or graphical format 28. In the exemplary embodiment shown and described herein, exercise information such as “EXERCISE NAME/SET NUMBER”, “REPETITION NUMBER” and “DIGITAL WEIGHT READOUT” data is displayed in digital format 26. Exercise information such as “USER NAME” and “CLocK” data is displayed in analog format 27. Exercise information such as “TARGET WEIGHT OVER/UNDER GRAPHIC”, “HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE” and “GRAPHICAL WEIGHT READOUT” is displayed in graphical format 28. However, display 20 is preferably fully-programmable so that any desired information, and in particular any desired exercise information, may be processed and/or displayed. Display 20 may further comprise one or more input and/or output ports 29 for communicating with an external data, media or entertainment device, such as a laptop computer, Blackberry®, iPOD®, or the like. The display 20 may be a “smart display” having wired or wireless Internet capability for transmitting exercise information, such as workout data, to a remote (on-site or off-site) back-up server. The smart display 20 may also utilize such Internet capability to upload workout data for a particular user so that the user may retrieve his or her personal workout data for use on any apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise constructed in accordance with the invention. In this manner, a traveling user can access historical workout data at any counter-resistance exercise apparatus 10 having Internet capability.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention. A modified version of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise shown and described with reference to FIG. 1 is integrated with a multiple purpose (i.e. “multi-purpose”) exercise machine, indicated generally at 60, configured for performing various arm and upper body exercises. Exercise machine 60 is similar in design and construction to the embodiments previously described with the exception that the single pulley 13 of the cable and pulley system 12 is replaced by multiple pulleys 63 interconnected by the single cable 11. In the embodiment shown, the cable and pulley system of the exercise machine 60 comprises a total of three pulleys, consisting of a pair (2) of outer pulleys 63 and a center pulley 63′. Similar to the embodiments shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, exercise machine 60 comprises left and right handles 62 that are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the modified apparatus 10. The cable 11 is routed from the handles 62 around an outer pulley 63 on each side of the exercise machine and guided into a housing 67 containing the center pulley 63′ and the force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14. As previously mentioned, the center pulley 63′ and the load cell 14 are disposed within housing 67 to isolate the user from the rotating center pulley and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the outer pulleys 63. Outer pulleys 63 are each attached to a vertical support 64 of the exercise machine 60 by an articulated joint that permits the handle 62, cable 11 and outer pulley 63 to move up and down (i.e. vertically) relative to the vertical support, as indicated by the linear double-headed arrows in FIG. 6, as well as to rotate relative to the vertical support, as indicated by the curved double-headed arrows in FIG. 6. If desired, the articulated joint may also, or alternatively, be configured to permit the handle 62, cable 11 and outer pulley 63 to move forward and backward (i.e. horizontally) relative to the vertical support 64. In this manner, exercise machine 60 allows the user to perform a variety of different arm and upper body exercises on the same piece of exercise equipment without the need to make modifications or adjustments to the machine. The articulated joint may be configured in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art that achieves the objective of providing the user with a “multi-purpose” exercise machine.

As shown in FIG. 7, cable 11 is also routed around center pulley 63′ disposed within housing 67 and the center pulley 63′ and load cell 14 are mechanically coupled to a bracket 68 that is adjustable in a vertical direction within housing 67. Adjustment of the position of bracket 68 within housing 67 consequently raises and lowers the location of handles 62 relative to a seat 66 mounted on a horizontal support 65 of the exercise machine 60. As shown, the position of bracket 68 within housing 67 may be adjusted by raising or lowering the handles 62 to a comfortable position for exercising and then inserting pin 69 through corresponding openings 67′ and 68′ formed through the housing and the bracket, respectively, in a known manner. However, any suitable means for adjusting the position of bracket 68 within housing 67, and consequently the location of handles 62, may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the invention. As previously mentioned, seat 66 of exercise machine 60 is preferably rotatable to permit the user to exercise through a full range of motion, and if desired, seat 66 may also be made adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction for the comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise. Exercise machine 60, and in particular the modified apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise, further comprises a display 20 in communication with a transmitter 16 disposed within housing 67 and coupled to load cell 14 for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as previously described with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter 16 so that display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on exercise machine 60 within the line of sight of the user without wires or cables that could interfere with operation of the exercise machine.

Exercise machine 60, and in particular the modified apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise, further comprises a means for determining the range of motion of the exercise and/or the rate at which the exercise is performed. A preferred exemplary embodiment of a means 70 for determining the range of motion and/or the rate of motion of the exercise is shown in FIG. 7. The means 70 for determining range and/or rate of motion comprises a series of indicators, for example graduations, 72 and an associated reader 74. The graduations 72 may consist of a plurality of strike marks having the same or different thickness formed on an outer face of the center pulley 63′ near the radial periphery of the face in a predetermined pattern. The reader may be an optical transceiver that transmits a constant optical signal and receives a reflected optical signal from the strike marks. However, any other suitable known type of reader, for example mechanical, electrical, magnetic, inductive, etc. may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the invention. By varying the thickness of the strike marks, for example, the reader 74 can determine the direction of the motion of the center pulley 63′, as well as the range and the rate of motion of the center pulley (and hence the range and rate of motion of cable 11 and handles 62). Furthermore, the reader may be in electrical, optical or wireless communication directly with display 20, but preferably is in electrical or optical communication with a wireless transmitter 16, which in turn, is in wireless communication with display 20. In this manner the range and/or rate of motion, and the direction of motion of the exercise may be provided to the display 20 for use with one or more of the digital format 26, analog format 27 and graphical format 28 portions of the exercise information.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of a force sensing device 14′ configured for use with the counter-resistance exercise apparatus and method of FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates at least one load cell 14′ coupled to the cable 11 adjacent a handle 62 of the exercise machine 60. In this embodiment, the load cell 14 may or may not also be coupled to the center pulley 63′ disposed within the housing 67 of the exercise machine 60. The load cell 14 and the load cell 14′ may be used in a conjunctive system (e.g. the mechanical force data from both load cells is added together and averaged), or may be used in a redundant system that provides a back-up capability in the event that the primary load cell is damaged or becomes inoperative. In addition, load cell 14′ may be coupled “in line” with cable 11 as shown, or may be the disposed adjacent the cable 11 in a manner similar to load cell 14 disposed adjacent center pulley 63′. Furthermore, a load cell 14′ may be provided adjacent one or both of the handles 62 in a further conjunctive or redundant system. Regardless, load cell 14′ provides mechanical force data that is transformed into a force measurement in a well known manner. The force measurement data is then transmitted to the display 20 for processing as needed with respect to the digital format 26, analog format 27 and graphical format 28 portions of the exercise information. The force measurement data may be transmitted to the display 20 electrically through wires or cables that are carefully routed along the cable 11. Preferably, however, the force measurement data is transmitted to the display 20 via a wireless transmitter disposed within the load cell 14′ for the reasons previously stated.

The foregoing has described one or more exemplary embodiments of an exercise apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise. In exemplary embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a cable and pulley system, a force sensing device, a transmitter and a biometric feedback display for displaying exercise information to a user. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for counter-resistance exercise comprising:

a cable and pulley system comprising at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley; and

a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system and configured to generate data relating to a mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a counter-resistance exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable and pulley system is mechanically coupled to a substantially rigid support.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pulley is configured to rotate relative to the support about an axle.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pulley is fixed relative to the support and is formed with a substantially friction-less channel or groove, while the cable is configured to slide within the channel or groove.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical force applied to the cable of the cable and pulley system is transferred to the force sensing device, and wherein the force sensing device converts the mechanical force to a proportional electrical signal.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the proportional electrical signal is provided to a transmitter that is operatively coupled to the force sensing device.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication to a wireless receiver device.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter electrically coupled to the force sensing device and a display in communication with the transmitter for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication with the display, and wherein the display comprises a wireless receiver.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be retro-fitted into an existing exercise machine comprising weights or resistance elements that are retro-fitted with the cable and pulley system.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting data relating to the exercise generated by the force sensing device to a display for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be integrated with a conventional exercise machine comprising weights or resistance elements that are replaced by the cable and pulley system.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting data relating to the exercise generated by the force sensing device to a display for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.

14. An exercise machine for counter-resistance exercise comprising:

at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support;

at least one substantially inelastic cable operatively coupled to the pulley;

at least one of a handle and a roller mechanically coupled to the cable;

a seat for supporting a user in a position for performing a dynamic exercise in which a mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group to the cable and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group;

a force sensing device operatively coupled to at least one of the cable and the pulley for measuring the mechanical force applied to the cable;

a transmitter in electrical communication with the force sensing device for transmitting an electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force; and

a display in communication with the transmitter for receiving the electrical signal from the transmitter, generating biometric feedback relating to the exercise from the electrical signal, and providing the user with the biometric feedback.

15. An exercise machine according to claim 14, wherein the transmitter is a wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication with the display, and wherein the display comprises a wireless receiver.

16. An exercise machine according to claim 14, further comprising a means for determining at least one of a range of motion and a rate of motion of the exercise.

17. An exercise machine according to claim 16, wherein the determining means comprises a series of indicators and an associated reader for reading the series of indicators and transmitting an electrical signal to the display for processing at least some of the biometric feedback.

18. An exercise machine according to claim 17, wherein the reader is an optical transceiver that transmits an optical signal and receives a reflected optical signal from the series of indicators.

19. An exercise machine according to claim 13, further comprising means for adjusting the location of the at least one of a handle and a roller relative to the support.

20. A method for counter-resistance exercise comprising:

providing a cable and pulley system comprising at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley;

applying a mechanical force to the cable by a user during the exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group;

providing a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system and configured for generating an electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force applied to the cable;

providing a transmitter for transmitting the electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force to a display; and

processing the electrical signal transmitted by the transmitter to provide biometric feedback relating to the exercise to the user on the display.