Full Assist Resistance Machine

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides a full assist resistance device designed to assist users in weight training by allowing the users to start pushing and pulling exercises in full extension or full flexion positions, respectively. The device comprises a jack device and an actuating means for operating the jack device. The actuating means is mounted to a mounting plate and is in communication with the jack device. Generally, the jack device comprises at least one foot pedal that a user would manipulate to raise and lower the weight stack, and to adjust the resistance for moving the weight stack. Furthermore, the full assist resistance device would be used in conjunction with a weight-stacked type exercise machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/478,986 filed Apr. 26, 2011.

BACKGROUND

Currently, most weight-training machines start from a position of either full elbow or knee flexion for pushing exercises or full elbow or knee extension for pulling exercises. This can require lifters to move a weighted bar away from the body for pushing exercises or towards the body for pulling exercises. In most instances, this starting position can represent the weakest point in the range of motion of the lift so, consequently, users are limited by how much weight they can handle. In addition, these starting positions can place an inordinate amount of stress on the shoulder joints for pushing exercises and on the elbow joints for pulling exercises, as well as on the knee joints of the lower body. An effective solution is necessary.

There is a need for an improved weight-training machine that allows users to workout with heavier weights with a reduced risk of bodily injury. The present invention discloses a full assist resistance device which is used in conjunction with a weight-stacked type exercise machine. The full assist resistance device enables users to start any pushing exercise in full extension or any pulling exercise in full flexion. Thus, the device allows users to use heavier weights without the need of assistance in getting the bar to the correct position. As this innovative device allows users to increase the amount of weight being used, users can create more resistance on their muscles, which may result in greater strength gains being realized by the users. Additionally, when starting in full extension and full flexion and performing only partial reps, users can limit the stress placed on their major joints, reducing the chance of muscle soreness and bodily injury. Users will appreciate the convenience and practicality that this device affords.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a full assist resistance device designed to assist users in weight training by allowing the users to start pushing and pulling exercises in full extension or full flexion positions, respectively. The device comprises a jack device and an actuating means for operating the jack device. The actuating means is mounted to a mounting plate and is in communication with the jack device. Generally, the jack device comprises at least one foot pedal that a user would manipulate to raise and lower the weight stack, and to adjust the resistance for moving the weight stack.

Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the full assist resistance device is used in conjunction with a weight-stacked type exercise machine. A user would specify the amount of weight he or she wants to use and place a pin in the appropriate resistance plate of the weight stack. The user then positions the lateral bar to either a fully extended position or a fully flexed position depending on the exercise desired and/or depending on the exercise machine being utilized. A user then presses the foot pedal which raises the entire weight stack. The user then pushes a second foot pedal to lower a portion of the weight stack (i.e., only the amount of weight selected remains in a raised position) or pulls up on the foot pedal if only one foot pedal is used. Once the foot pedal is released, the user feels, and then has to work against, the resistance that was selected. Once the lateral bar is at a fully flexed position, the foot pedal is then pushed and the weight stack raises back to the starting position. The user can then perform the desired push exercise, doing as many repetitions as desired.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and B illustrate a perspective view of a prior art resistance-training device.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a prior art weight stack of the resistance-training device.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a perspective view of a resistance-training device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a weight stack of the resistance-training device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the weight stack of the resistance-training device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5A and B illustrate a perspective view of the foot pedal of the resistance-training device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

In typical exercise machines presently manufactured, the starting position for a user necessitates a concentric contraction for the first movement. Thus, for pushing exercises (e.g., chest and shoulder presses), the user's arms will be flexed and in close to the body, and for pulling exercises (e.g., bicep curl and lat pull-down) the arms will be extended and further away from the body. This starting position is mechanically disadvantageous in that it puts a lot of stress on the joints involved in the movement (either shoulder or elbow joints). In addition, the weakest point with most lifts utilizing this present machine configuration is at the beginning part of the lift. Thus, the user has to work within the constraints of the weakest point in the range of motion (ROM), which affects the amount of weight the user selects.

In contrast, the disclosed full assist resistance device of the present invention would allow a user to start with their arms fully extended for pushing exercises and fully flexed for pulling exercises. Thus, the first part or half of the movement would involve an eccentric, not a concentric contraction. An eccentric contraction is where the muscle is contracting and stretched, and a concentric contraction is where the muscle is being shortened while contracting. Thus, in a pulling exercise a user would start with the lateral bar down, around shoulder height, and the first movement would be to resist raising the arms to an overhead, fully extended position (i.e., an eccentric contraction).

As the first part or half of the movement would involve an eccentric not concentric contraction, the user could use more weight because he or she is not limited by the weakest point in the ROM which is now at the opposite end of the ROM from where he or she started the lift. Thus, the user can select heavier resistances to work with without needing the help of a spotter. Heavier resistances means greater resistance is created on the muscle which may result in greater strength gains in the muscle.

Specifically, the present invention discloses a full assist resistance device, which is used in conjunction with a resistance-training machine. The full assist resistance device enables users to start any pushing exercise in full extension or any pulling exercise in full flexion. The resistance-training machine can be any prior art exercise machine and generally comprises a support frame and a bench. Further, the machine comprises a plate stack of resistance plates controlled by a pulley system and a lateral bar secured to the support frame. The lateral bar can be adjusted to a fully extended position or a fully flexed position depending on the exercises the resistance-training machine is designed for. Furthermore, the position of the weight stack can be controlled by a foot pedal or other control means. The resistance-training machine can also comprise free weights instead of a plate stack of resistance plates.

Thus, the device allows users to use heavier weights without the need of assistance in getting the weighted bar to the correct position. As this device allows users to increase the amount of weight being used, users can create more resistance on their muscles, which may result in greater strength gains being realized by the users. Additionally, when starting in full extension and full flexion and performing only partial repetitions, users can limit the stress placed on their major joints, reducing the chance of muscle soreness and bodily injury.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-B illustrate a prior art resistance-training device (or machine) 100 designed to assist users in weight training. The device 100 is of conventional design and construction as is known in the art, and generally comprises a support frame 102, wherein the support frame is designed for resting on a level surface, a plate stack 104, a lateral bar 106, and a bench 108. The support frame 102 would generally be constructed of iron, steel, aluminum, etc. though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the support frame 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

Furthermore, the bench 108 is secured to the support frame 102 and acts to support a user (not shown) in a sitting position. The bench 108 can comprise a back support 110 and/or pads (not shown) to further support and provide comfort to a user in a sitting position. However, the bench 108 can comprise any suitable accessory as is known in the art, such as arm rests, cushions, head rest, etc. without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The resistance-training device 100 further comprises a lateral bar 106 secured to the support frame 102. The resistance-training device 100 can comprise more than one lateral bar 106 depending on the wants and needs of the user, and the type of exercises performed. The resistance-training device 100 can comprise any suitable number and shape of lateral bars 106 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

Furthermore as shown in FIG. 1C, the resistance-training device 100 comprises a plate stack 104 comprising a stack of resistance plates. A user would adjust the amount of weight desired for performing an exercise as is typically known in the art for exercise machines. For example, a user would place a pin, a key or other suitable device 114 into a hole of a stack lifter 112, securing the desired amount of weight from the plate stack 104. The plate stack 104 would be connected to the device 100 via a pulley system 116, the pulley system 116 would be of conventional design and construction as is known in the art. Furthermore, the resistance plates are typically constructed of cast iron, though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the resistance plates as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a perspective view of a resistance-training device (or machine) 100 comprising the inventive device (full assist resistance device) designed to assist users in weight training by allowing the users to start pushing and pulling exercises in full extension or full flexion positions, respectively. The device comprises a jack device 200 and an actuating means (not shown) for operating the jack device 200, wherein the actuating means is mounted to a mounting plate 208 and is in communication with the jack device 200. Specifically, the actuating means comprises an actuator 210 or other type of motor for moving or controlling the jack device 200. The jack device 200 comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack, or a more traditional pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder can be used to control the position of the weight stack 104.

The actuating means further comprises at least one of a button, a pedal, a lever, or other device 206 that a user would manipulate to raise and lower the weight stack 104. Further, two levers 206 can be used to manipulate the weight stack 104, the first lever raises the weight stack 104 and the second lever lowers the weight stack 104. Additionally, two additional levers can be utilized, the additional levers would adjust the resistance for moving the weight stack and one lever would increase resistance and one lever would decrease resistance for moving the weight stack 104. The levers or pedals could be positioned at the base of the device and controlled by a foot of the user. In contrast, the levers or buttons could be positioned on the lateral bar 106 and controlled by a hand of the user.

Specifically, multiple levers can be used to manipulate the weight stack or a single lever. If a single lever is used, then a stirrup or other similar device can be used to retain a user's foot on the lever or pedal. In operation, the harder the lever or pedal is pushed, the faster the weight stack 104 would raise, if a user lets off the lever or pedal, then the weight stack would remain in its current position, and if a user lifts the pedal or lever up, the weight stack is lowered.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a perspective view of the front and back of the weight stack 104 comprising the jack device 200 and actuating means 202 mounted to the mounting plate 208. In operation, a user would manipulate the lever, pedal, button, etc. which would activate the actuating means 202. The actuating means comprises an actuator 210 or other type of motor for moving or controlling the jack device 200. As stated above, the jack device 200 comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack, or a more traditional pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or other similar device used to control the position of the weight stack 104. Generally, the actuating means 202 comprises a motor 210 that turns an internal feed screw that extends a portion of an actuator rod 212 and contracts to lift the weight stack 104.

FIGS. 5A and B illustrate a perspective view of the foot pedal 206. In operation, a user specifies the amount of weight he or she wants to use and places a pin in the stack lifter. The user then positions the lateral bar to either a fully extended position or a fully flexed position depending on the exercise desired and/or depending on the exercise machine being utilized. In this specific example, a user would position the lateral bar to a fully extended position, such that the lateral bar will be positioned at chest level, out in front of the user and the user's arms are fully extended horizontally away from the body. A user then presses the foot pedal 206 which raises the entire weight stack. The more force a user puts on the foot pedal 206, the faster the weight stack will raise, this movement places no resistance on the lateral bar. The user then pushes a second foot pedal to lower a portion of the weight stack or pulls up on the foot pedal if only one foot pedal is used (i.e., only the amount of weight selected remains in a raised position).

Once the foot pedal is released, the user feels, and then has to work against, the resistance that was selected. For example, for a pushing exercise, the lateral bar is adjusted to a fully flexed position, wherein the lateral bar is positioned out in front of a user and no resistance is placed on the lateral bar at this time. Once the foot pedal is released, resistance is placed on the lateral bar and the user must work against the resistance (i.e., prevent the lateral bar from moving towards the user's chest). Once the lateral bar is at a fully flexed position, the foot pedal is then pushed and the weight stack raises back to the starting position. Depending on the force of the push, (or if additional pedals are provided to control the amount of resistance on the lateral bar), generally the more force the user uses in pushing the foot pedal, the faster the weight stack will be raised to the starting position and the exercise repeated. The user can then perform the desired push exercise, doing as many repetitions as desired.

Accordingly, the inventive device of the resistance-training machine enables the user to start any pushing exercise in full extension or any pulling exercise in full flexion. This allows users to use heavier weights without the need for assistance in getting the bar to the correct position (i.e., a spotter). Further, users can create more resistance on their muscles, which may result in greater strength gains being realized by the users, and can limit the stress placed on their major joints, reducing the chance of muscle soreness and injury.

It is also contemplated, that the device can be used as an addition to any weight-stacked exercise device or nautilus type device as is known in the art. Additionally, the device can be an integral part of the weight-stacked exercise device, and the device and the weight-stacked exercise device can be manufactured as a one-piece article, without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A device for use with a stacked weight exercise device, comprising:

a jack device; and

an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the actuating means comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower a weight stack.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one of a button, a pedal, or a lever.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the actuating means comprises at least two buttons, wherein a first button raises a weight stack and a second button lowers the weight stack.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the actuating means comprises at least two additional buttons that increase and decrease resistance for moving the weight stack.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one button, pedal or lever is controlled by a foot of a user.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one button, pedal or lever is controlled by a hand of a user.

9. A device for use with a stacked weight exercise device, comprising:

a jack device; and

an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device and comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower a weight stack, and at least two pedals, wherein a first pedal is manipulated by a user to raise the weight stack and a second pedal is manipulated by the user to lower the weight stack.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the actuating means comprises at least two additional pedals that are manipulated by the user to increase and decrease resistance for moving the weight stack.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the pedals are controlled by a foot of a user.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack.

13. A resistance-training system, comprising:

a stacked weight exercise device; and

a full assist resistance device comprising a jack device and an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device.

14. The resistance-training system of claim 13, wherein the stacked weight exercise device comprises:

a support frame;

a lateral bar secured to the support frame and adjustable to a fully extended or a fully flexed position; and

a weight stack secured to the support frame via a pulley system.

15. The resistance-training system of claim 14, wherein the support frame comprises a bench that supports a user.

16. The resistance-training system of claim 15, wherein the bench comprises a back support to support a user in a sitting position.

17. The resistance-training system of claim 14, wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack.

18. The resistance-training system of claim 17, wherein the actuating means comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower the weight stack.

19. The resistance-training system of claim 18, wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one foot pedal, that when manipulated, raises and lowers the weight stack.

20. The resistance-training system of claim 19, wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one additional foot pedal, that when manipulated, increases and decreases resistance of the weight stack.