VARIABLE-RESISTANCE EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

A portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on the cable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a variable-resistance exercise device that is lightweight and portable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of exercise and weight training to the health of an individual cannot be underestimated. The recognized benefits of exercise and strength training have led to an increase in the number of gyms and workout facilities where individuals can exercise under the guidance and instruction of trained professionals who can tailor workout routines particularly suited for an individual's age, health, and condition.

For some individuals, the cost of training at a workout facility under the guidance of a trained professional can be cost prohibitive. For others, such as the elderly or infirmed who may be bedridden, the ability to partake in supervised activities at gyms and workout facilities is greatly limited. Still further, there are instances where an individual who normally trains at a facility may be required to travel to locations where access to a workout facility is not available.

As a result, there is a need for a workout device that is portable, wherein individuals can utilize a variable-resistance device to obtain a workout at remote locations and a device that is suitable for use by the elderly at home or by the infirmed in a hospital setting.

The present invention provides a variable-resistance exercise device that is lightweight and portable and that may be used in a variety of settings by individuals having a wide range of physical abilities. In addition, the present invention provides an exercise device as described above together with a workout routine that can be designed to address the different physical abilities of a specific user of the exercise device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring assembly having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on

The advantage of the present invention is an exercise device that is lightweight and portable.

Another advantage of the present invention is an exercise device that has variable-resistance settings.

Another advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes a memory means for storing data relating to a user's workout routine.

Another advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that is capable of storing data relating to the number of repetitions, resistance (workload), and resistance settings during a workout routine.

Another advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above including means for connecting the exercise device to an external computer or database for storing data relating to an exercise routine (workout).

Another advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that is suitable for use by individuals of all ages and abilities.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that may be used by patients confined to wheelchairs or hospital beds.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes a retractable cable having hand grips, ankle straps, and leg straps that are attachable to the retractable cable.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes an adjustable spring assembly that is adjustable to adjust the resistance exerted on the cable of the exercise device.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes a multiple spring assembly wherein one or more springs may be connected together to vary the resistance of the cable of the exercise device.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes sensing means for sensing operating parameters of the exercise device.

A still further advantage of the present invention is an exercise device as described above that includes sensing means that senses the number of repetitions during a specific exercise and the resistance exerted during such exercise.

These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention and showing the exercise device attached to an upper edge of a door;

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned view, showing the exercise device of FIG. 1 attached to an upper edge of a door and being used to perform a first type of arm exercise;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned view, showing the exercise device of FIG. 1 attached to a lower edge of a door and being used to perform a second type of arm exercise;

FIG. 4 is a front, elevational view of a door and a door frame, showing two spaced-apart exercise devices as show in FIG. 1 mounted to the door to be used together to perform another type of exercise;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, showing a device mounted to a door jamb;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bedridden patient and the exercise device shown in FIG. 1 attached to a bed frame for use by the patient; and

FIG. 9 is a front view partially in section of the exercise device, illustrating an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1-8 show an exercise device 10, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Exercise device 10 is designed for use in combination with a specific workout program stored in digital format on a computer or other electronic device, as shall be described in greater detail below.

Exercise device 10 is adapted for mounting to a support surface, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a door 12 mounted to a frame 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. In the drawing, door 12 and frame 14 are shown with a wall 16 and a floor 18. As will be described in greater detail below, it is also contemplated that exercise device 10 could be mounted to the frame of a wheelchair or bed.

Exercise device 10, best seen in FIGS. 5-7, is basically comprised of a housing 20 containing a cable assembly 100 and a spring assembly 200. Housing 20 has a first housing section 22 and a second housing section 24. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7, first housing section 22 is generally rectangular in shape and defines a generally rectangular inner cavity 26. First housing section 22 has a flat bottom wall 22a and four flat side walls 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e extending to one side thereof. A short knee wall or divider wall 22f extends from side wall 22c. Knee wall 22f is generally parallel to bottom wall 22a and defines a first compartment 32 and a second compartment 34, best seen in FIG. 7, within housing 20. A hole or opening 36, best seen in FIG. 7, is formed in knee wall 22f, as shall be described in greater detail below.

A generally cylindrical mounting post 42 extends from the inner surface of bottom wall 22a. Post 42 is cylindrical in shape and extends along an axis designated “A” in the drawings. A cylindrical collar 44 is formed at the base of post 42 where post 42 extends from bottom wall 22a. Post 42 is generally disposed in the center of bottom wall 22a.

An opening 52′ is formed in side wall 22c. Opening 52 is disposed in first compartment 32 and is dimensioned to receive a grommet 54 therein. Grommet 54 is generally tubular in shape and defines an opening 52′ through side wall 22c. A pair of mounting lugs 62, 64 is formed on the outer surface of side wall 22b of first housing section 22. Lugs 62, 64 are spaced apart and are formed to be generally aligned with the edge of bottom wall 22a. Each lug 62, 64 has a bore 66 formed therethrough. Bores 66 in the lugs 62, 64 are axially aligned along the edge of side wall 22b of first housing section 22.

Second housing section 24 is dimensioned to be attached to first housing section 22. In the embodiment shown, second housing section 24 is essentially a flat rectangular plate having openings 72 formed at the corners thereof. Openings 72 are dimensioned to receive conventional fasteners 74, such as, by way of example and not limitation, cap screws. Fasteners 74 are to be received in threaded openings 76 in first housing section 22, as illustrated in the drawings. Fasteners 74 attach second housing section 24 to first housing section 22 to enclose inner cavity 26.

Second housing section 24 has a hub 82 formed on the inner surface thereof. An opening 84 extends through hub 82. Opening 84 is disposed to be axially aligned with axis “A” and post 42 on first housing section 22, when second housing section 24 is attached to first housing section 22. Opening 92 is formed through second housing section 24 and is disposed to be axially aligned with opening 36 in knee wall 22f, when second housing section 24 is attached to first housing section 22. As best seen in FIG. 7, opening 92 extends through a boss 94 formed on the inner surface of second housing section 24.

Cable assembly 100 is dimensioned to be received within first compartment 32 within housing 20. Cable assembly 100 is comprised of a spool 112 having a cable 114 mounted thereon. Spool 112 has a central hub 112a, best seen in FIG. 5. Hub 112a has a cylindrical inner cavity 112b dimensioned to receive post 42 on first housing section 22. Spool 112 includes a circular plate 112c that surrounds hub 112a. An annular collar 112d is formed along the periphery of circular plate 112c. Collar 112d is generally U-shaped and includes a bottom wall section 112e and two spaced-apart wall sections 112f that together define an annular channel 116 to receive cable 114. Cable 114 has a first end attached to spool 112 and a free end. Cable 114 has a predetermined length. In one embodiment, cable 114 has a length of at least 15 feet. In another embodiment, cable 114 has a length of between 15 and 30 feet. Cable 114 is dimensioned to be wound onto spool 112 within annular channel 116 defined by collar 112d.

An elongated pin 122 extends axially from one side of spool 112. A slot 124 is formed along the axis of pin 122, as best seen in FIG. 7. Spool 112 is symmetrical about an axis through hub 112a and pin 122.

Spool 112 is dimensioned to be received within first compartment 32 defined within housing 20. Spool 112 is rotatably mounted on post 42, such that spool 112 and pin 122 are rotatable about axis “A.” As best seen in FIG. 5, grommet 54 is disposed to be aligned and in registry with spool 112 such that the free end of cable 114 can extend through opening 52′ in grommet 54, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Spring assembly 200 is attachable to cable assembly 100 to create a selectively variable-resistance force on cable assembly 100. Spring assembly 200 is comprised of a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to produce a variable-resistance force to resist rotation of spool 112 on post 42. In the embodiment shown, three coiled springs 210, 220, 230 are provided. Each spring 210, 220, 230 has an inner end 212, 222, 232, respectively, that is formed into a generally L-shaped configuration and an outer end 214, 224, 234, respectively, formed into a generally U-shaped configuration, best seen in FIG. 7. L-shaped inner ends 212. 222, 232 include a flat portion that is dimensioned to be received within slot 124 in pin 122, as best seen in FIG. 6. As shown in the drawings, springs 210, 220, 230 are mounted side-by-side on pin 122 of spool 112, with each inner end 212, 222, 232 of springs 210, 220, 230 attached to pin 122, such that inner ends 212, 222, 232 of coiled springs 210, 220, 230 are rotatable with pin 122 about axis “A.”

Outer end 214 of spring 210 is disposed to capture boss 94 on the inner surface of second housing section 24. In this respect, when second housing section 24 is attached to first housing section 22, springs 210, 220, 230 are captured on pin 122 of spool 112 between spool 112 and the inner surface of second housing section 24. Pin 122 on spool 112 is dimensioned such that the free end thereof extends into opening 84 in hub 82 of second housing section 24, such that the free end of pin 122 is supported by second housing section 24. Boss 94 on the inner surface of second housing section 24 is positioned to engage the U-shaped outer end 214 of spring 210. In this respect, U-shaped outer end 214 of spring 210 is positioned to capture and abut against boss 94.

A selector pin 252 is dimensioned to extend into housing 20 through opening 92 in second housing section 24. Selector pin 252 includes a knurled head 254 and elongated shaft 256. Shaft 256 is dimensioned to be able to extend into opening 36 in knee wall 22f. As will be described in greater detail below, selector pin 252 is provided to capture and secure the U-shaped outer end 224, 234 of springs 220, 230.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, spring 230 is disposed within first compartment 32 within housing 20, whereas springs 210, 220 are disposed within second compartment 34 within housing 20.

A mounting bracket 310 is provided to attach exercise device 10 to an external support. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, mounting bracket 30 is designed to attach exercise device 10 to an edge of door or some other generally rectangular structure. It is also contemplated that a mounting bracket 310 could be designed to attach exercise device 10 to other structures, such as, by way of example and not limitation, tubular structural members of a wheelchair or hospital bed.

In the embodiment shown, mounting bracket 310 has a generally U-shaped cross section that defines a rectangular opening 312 that is dimensioned to receive the edge of a door 12, as best seen in FIG. 5. Mounting bracket 310 has two spaced-apart planar panel sections 310a, 310b connected by a bottom panel section 310c. Mounting bracket 310 defines a rectangular opening 312 dimensioned to receive the edge of door 12. A boss 322 having a threaded opening 324 therethrough is formed on side panel 310a. Threaded opening 324 is dimensioned to receive a clamping element in the form of a thumb screw 326. A planar pad 328 is connected to the free end of thumb screw 326. Pad 328 is dimensioned to be pressed against the surface of door 112 when thumb screw 326 is tightened there against.

The edge of side panel 310a is formed into a sleeve 310d having an axially-aligned opening extending therethrough. Sleeve 310d on mounting bracket 310 is dimensioned to be positioned between mounting lugs 62, 64 on first housing section 22. The opening in sleeve 310d is disposed on mounting bracket 310 to align with the openings in lugs 62, 64 on first housing section 22. An elongated pin 332 extends through lugs 62, 64, and sleeve 310d pivotally connects housing 20 to mounting bracket 310, such that housing 20 is pivotally mounted to mounting bracket 310 about the axis of elongated pivot pin 332.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, housing 20 includes sensing means, memory means, and display means for respectively sensing, storing, and displaying information regarding the operating characteristics of exercise device 10. Sensor 412 is disposed relative to spring selector pin 252 to determine the position thereof. As will be appreciated, the position of selector pin 252 determines which of springs 210, 220, 230 are connected to spool 112, and in turn determines the resistance exerted on spool 112 to resist movement thereof. In other words, by determining the position of selector pin 252 relative to spring elements 210, 220, 230 the amount of resistance exerted on spool 112 can be determined. Similarly, a sensor arrangement 414 is associated with spool 112 and/or cable 114 to monitor movement thereof In the embodiment shown, sensor arrangement 414 is comprised of a first stationary sensor element 414a which is stationary to housing 20 and a movable sensor element 414b which is mounted to collar 112d of spool 112 for movement therewith. Movement of sensor element 414b past sensor element 414a generates signals which are indicative of movement of spool 112. Such signals are indicative of each time cable 114 is withdrawn and retracted, and such movement of cable 114 and rotation of spool 112. Such movement is used to determine a repetition of an exercise, as shall be described in greater detail below.

A controller 420, schematically illustrated as a circuit board in FIG. 9, is provided to receive and process signals from sensor 412 and sensor arrangement 414. In this respect, electrical leads 412a and 414c connect sensor 412 and sensor arrangement 414, respectively to controller 420. Using signals from sensor 412 and sensor arrangement 414, controller 420 can determine the number of repetitions and resistance applied to spool 112 during a workout routine. Controller 420 includes memory means for storing information regarding an exercise routine, namely, the number of repetitions and the resistance applied to spool 112. The memory means preferably also includes a timer and counter for determining and storing the time (rate), interval, and total number of repetitions.

A display panel 440 on the exterior of housing 20 is connected to controller 420. Display panel 440 is provided to display information stored in the memory of controller 420 regarding use of exercise device 10. By way of example and not limitation, display panel 440 may display the resistance applied to spool 112 and cable 114 during a routine, the number of repetitions during a specific time interval, a desired target goal of repetitions, and the current number of repetitions performed during an exercise routine. Control buttons 442 are provided on the housing to reset a counting routine or timing routine.

An internal power supply 450 is provided within housing 20. Power supply 450 is connected to controller 420 by electrical lead 452. In the embodiment shown, power supply 450 is in the form of a battery 454, shown in phantom in FIG. 9. Battery 454 may be replaceable or rechargeable within housing 20 by an electrical connector (not shown) connectable to an ordinary electrical outlet, as is conventionally known.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, controller 420 is connected by an electrical lead 462 to a universal (USB) port 460 that allows information stored within the processor/memory unit of controller 420 to be transferred to an external device, such as a laptop computer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the free end of cable 114 includes a conventional connection device (not shown), such as a clevis, to facilitate attachments being connected to cable 114. The attachments may include hand grips, ankle bands, waist bands, a bar, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the operation of exercise device 10 shall now be described in greater detail. The embodiment of exercise device 10, shown in the drawings, is adapted for attachment to a conventional door 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 8 illustrates how exercise device 10 may also be attached to a headboard 612 of a hospital bed 610. It is also contemplated that exercise device 10 could be also attached to rectangular or tubular parts of a wheelchair frame or stretcher frame (not shown). In this respect, blocks with V-shaped channels may replace pad 328 and side panel 310b of mounting bracket 310.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the exercise device 10 may be clamped to any edge of a door 12 by using thumb screw 326 to clamp the edge to the door 12 between pad 328 and side panel 310b of mounting bracket 310. With mounting bracket 310 in place, door 12 may be closed to prevent movement of door 12 and exercise device 10 during a workout routine.

Handles or hand grips 512 may be attached to the connectors on the free end of cable 114 to perform a variety of different arm and upper-body exercises. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a shoulder exercise wherein a user “U” pulls against the resistance exerted on cable 114 by internal spring assembly 200. As will be appreciated, as cable 114 is pulled down by the user “U,” the tension of springs 210, 220, 230 increases as one or more of springs 210, 220, 230 is coiled as cable 114 is pulled from exercise device 10. Springs 210, 220, 230 exert a resistance to movement of cable 114, thereby providing resistance to the user “ U” so as to exercise the particular muscle group. The tension in springs 210, 220, 230 also provides the retraction force to pull cable 114 back into housing 20 during the return movement of the exercise.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional pull-down exercise for working the shoulders. FIG. 3 illustrates a typical bicep curl for exercising the bicep portion of the arm. FIG. 4 illustrates two exercise devices 10 attached to opposite edges of door 12, wherein exercise devices 10 may be used simultaneously to exercise the upper chest by doing what is referred to as a “fly” exercise, where the arms are brought together in front of the body.

During each exercise, spool 112 rotates about post 42 in a first direction as cable 114 is drawn out of housing 20 through opening 52′ in grommet 54. As will be appreciated, rotation of spool 112 causes elongated pin 122 that is attached thereto to also rotate in the first direction. Because elongated pin 122 rotates with spool 112, the inner ends of springs 210, 220, 230 rotate with spool 112 as it moves in the first direction. Because outer end 214 of spring 210 is captured by boss 92 on second housing section 24, spring 210 always exerts a resistive force on rotations of spool 112. Depending upon the position of selector pin 252, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5, outer end 224, 234 of springs 220 and 230 may be captured by selector pin 252 and prevented from rotating, thereby resisting rotation of spool 112. In this respect, the resistance exerted on cable 114 can be varied, depending upon the position of the selector pin 252. As indicated above, sensor 412 detects the position of selector pin 252 and, thus, provides controller 420 with an indication of the position of selector pin 252. Based upon the sensed position of selector pin 252, controller 420 determines the spring(s) resisting rotation of spool 112 and the resistance exerted on cable 114. Moreover, sensor arrangement 414 provides controller 420 with signals indicative of the rotation of spool 112. With this information, controller 420 determines a count of the number of repetitions for each time cable 114 is withdrawn from housing 20 by the user “U” and retracted into housing 20. Thus, each withdrawal of cable 114 from housing 20 during an exercise and each retraction can be counted to provide an indication of the number of repetitions of a given exercise. In conjunction with this, the resistance exerted on cable 114 can be stored in the memory of controller 420 to provide an indication of the number of repetitions at a given resistance.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, exercise device 10 is designed to be used in conjunction with a pre-programmed exercise routine preferably set forth in memory or “online” on a computer 520, illustrated in FIG. 3. A monitor 522 of computer 520 can provide instructions as to the proper positioning of exercise device 10 on an external support, such as door 12 or headboard 612 of a bed 610, and further provide instructions as to the proper technique and arm motions to perform a given exercise. Still further, preferably the program is specifically designed for a given user “U,” based upon the user's age, health, and capabilities. In other words, a specific workout routine, including a number of different exercises, can be provided in a stored computer database and provide a user “U” with visual indication as to the proper setup of exercise device 10 and proper motions for a given exercise. The program would also provide the desired resistance setting and number of repetitions to be performed for each given exercise. The memory within controller 420 of exercise device 10 can be programmed to monitor the performance of the “U” by monitoring the number of repetitions, the resistance, and even the rate at which the exercise is performed. By storing and transferring this information to a pre-programmed routine, the performance and capabilities of the user “U” can be monitored and the workout routine may be adjusted based upon the performance of the user “U.”

The present invention thus provides a variable-resistance, portable exercise device 10 that may be used by a wide variety of people in a number of different locations in conjunction with a pre-programmed workout routine stored in memory in a computer device. Exercise device 10 is suitable for use by users “U” of all ages and capabilities and, likewise, may be used by the elderly and infirmed who are limited to a wheelchair or a bed.

The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of:

a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring assembly having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on the cable.

2. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein said retractable cable is wound onto a rotatable spool.

3. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 2, wherein said spool is connected to said plurality of springs.

4. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of springs is a coiled spring having an inner end connected to said spool to be rotatable therewith.

5. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 4, further comprising a device selectively connectable to the outer end of each of said plurality of springs.

6. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a housing containing said spring assembly and rotatable spool, said retractable cable being attached to said spool and being wound onto and unwound from said spool based on rotation of said spool.

7. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 6, further comprising a mounting bracket for attaching said exercise device to an external support.

8. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 8, further comprising sensors associated with said spool and said cable for monitoring movement of said spool and said cable.

9. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 8, further comprising a controller within said housing connected to said sensor.

10. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 9, further comprising sensing means for sensing the resistance exerted on said cable, said sensing means connected to said controller.

11. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 10, further comprising memory means for storing information sensed by said sensors.

12. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 11, further comprising a power supply within said housing for providing power to said controller, memory means and said sensors.

13. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 12, wherein said power supply is rechargeable.

14. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 12, wherein said housing includes a communications interface port.

15. A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in claim 12, further comprising a display panel for displaying information from said controller, and input means for controlling the operation of said controller and inputting information into said controller.