DEVICES FOR EXERCISE APPARATUSES

Abstract

A device for an exercise apparatus includes a linear adjustment system and a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system. The linear adjustment system varies a length of the device thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface. The sensor measures the force exerted on the linear adjustment system. A correlating mechanism is used to correlate the force exerted on the linear adjustment system with the force exerted on the loading interface. The device allows exercisers to exert high or maximum loads in any one of a plurality of positions throughout their entire range of motion without first passing through a weak range of motion.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to devices for exercise apparatuses. More particularly, this disclosure pertains to devices that permit exercisers to experience high intensity loading of muscles and associated kinetic chain tissue in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion on exercise apparatuses, and/or provide actual loading information of exercisers using exercise apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that maximum loads are important in the development of skeletal muscle and increase of bone mineral density. In 2004, the Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis (See, Chapter 9) stated: “Increases in bone mineral density, to prevent or reverse the effects of osteoporosis, are stimulated by maximum loading on the musculoskeletal system.” Zatsiorsky and Kraemer in their 2006 book, Science and Practice of Strength Training (P. 50), explained the difference between the two different types of muscular growth: “sarcoplasmic hypertrophy of muscle fibers is characterized by the growth of sarcoplasm (semifluid interfibrillar substance) and non-contractile proteins that do not directly contribute to the production of muscle force.” Stated differently, sarcoplasmic hypertrophy happens when an individual engages in physical movement with load applied.

Conventional exercise or fitness apparatuses, however, provide only fixed or moderated resistance to users. This resistive force is typically derived from the force of gravity acting on one or more masses, or in some cases a hydraulic cylinder where viscous forces restrict the travel of a movable element within the cylinder. In such devices the amount of load applied over the range of motion of the applicable muscle groups worked by the exercise is set prior to the initiation of the exercise. Moreover, because resistance magnitude is determined prior to the performance of the exercise, the only feedback provided to the users by that endeavor is only binary. They are either able to complete the exercise, or find that it is too difficult to perform. In the case of success with the exercise, the user learns that their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise provides the requisite force needed to satisfy the selected difficulty setting. In the case of failure with the exercise, the user learns that their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise fails to provide the requisite force needed to the achieve the selected difficulty setting.

Neither of these outcomes reveals the actual maximum amount of force the user may exert for that exercise in their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise, or, for that matter, the amount of force they could exert at any other point in the range of motion associated with the exercise. Because muscles fatigue in response to high loads, it is not feasible to ascertain one's maximum capacity in one's weakest range of motion by starting with a small load and repeating the exercise at ever increasing loads. After several trials, the fatigued muscle is unable to approach its previous maximum load.

Furthermore, conventional exercise or fitness apparatuses do not provide users with actual loading information, in particular, the maximum force exertion at any point in the range of user motion associated with a particular exercise.

Thus, what are needed in the art are devices that can permit exercisers to exert high load (e.g., force) or highest possible load in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of user motion associated with an exercise apparatus without first passing through a weak point in the range of motion, and can provide exercisers with actual loading information on such exercises.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device that can be installed in an exercise apparatus to fix the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface, thereby allowing the exerciser to exert high or highest possible load in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise. In some aspects, the device measures (directly or indirectly) the load exerted by the exerciser during the exercise and provides the load information during or after the exercise. In an aspect, the device is configured to be installed in various exercise apparatuses, including but not limited to leg press machines, adjustable cable machines, chest press machines, and machine bench presses.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise. The device includes a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface. The linear adjustment system has a first end and a second end. The first end of the linear adjustment system is configured to be fixedly connected to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus. The device also includes a sensor having a first side and a second side. The first side of the sensor is fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system. The second side of the sensor is configured to be fixedly connected to the other of the loading interface and the frame. The sensor measures a force exerted on the linear adjustment system, and outputs a signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise. The device includes a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface. The linear adjustment system has a first end and a second end. The device also includes a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system and configured to measure a force exerted on the linear adjustment system. The sensor has a first side and a second side, with the first side fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system. The device further includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is configured to fixedly connect the first end of the linear adjustment system to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus. The second connector is configured to fixedly connect the second side of the sensor with the other of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise. The device includes a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface, wherein the linear adjustment system comprises a first end and a second end. The device also includes a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system and configured to measure a force exerted on the linear adjustment system. The sensor has a first side and a second side, with the first side fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system. The device further includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector fixedly connects the first end of the linear adjustment system to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus. The second connector fixedly connects the second side of the sensor with the other of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus. In addition, the device includes a correlating mechanism that correlates a force exerted on the linear adjustment system with a force exerted on the loading interface of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus is any one of a plurality of different types of exercise apparatuses.

With the device installed in the exercise apparatus, the exercise exerts one or more muscle groups of a subject through a range of motion associated with (characterized by) the exercise. The range of motion includes a first subrange that is characterized by a first maximum force that can be exerted by the subject. The range of motion further includes a second subrange that is characterized by a second maximum force that can be exerted by the subject. The second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force. In some embodiments, the range of motion can include any number of subrange over and above the first and second subrange. In some embodiments, the device, or specifically, the linear adjustment system of the device, fixes the loading interface at a position in the functional range of the loading interface that permits the subject to exert a force on the loading interface with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

The preceding and other features of the present disclosure will become further apparent from the detailed description that follows. Such description is accompanied by a set of drawing figures. Numerals of the drawing figures correspond to numerals of the written description with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the written description and the drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a device installed in a first exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1A illustrating more detail of the device depicted in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front-left-hand-side perspective view of FIG. 1A, illustrating an exerciser performing an exercise.

FIG. 1D is a back-left-hand-side perspective view of FIG. 1A, illustrating an exerciser performing an exercise.

FIG. 1E is a back-right-hand-side perspective view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a front-right-hand-side perspective view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a front-left-hand-side perspective view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H is a left-hand-side view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I is a right-hand-side view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1J is a front view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1K is a back view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1L is a top view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1M is a bottom view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a device installed in a second exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a device installed in a third exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a device installed in a fourth exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a device in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sensor of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides devices for exercise apparatuses. The devices can be built into exercise apparatuses when manufacturing the exercise apparatuses or retro-fitted into existing exercise apparatuses. The devices of the present disclosure allow exercisers to experience high intensity loading of muscles in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise without first passing through a weak position, or weak positions, in the range of motion. Thus, the devices enable exertion of the large amounts of force that are deemed beneficial without the conventional constraint of the weakest positions in the range of motion associated with an exercise on an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure also provide load/force measurement data and/or information for display or collection during or after the exercise. The data can be used to guide and encourage exercisers during their exercises, or to design better programs to improve their strength, health and fitness. As used herein, “exerciser”, “user” and “object” are interchangeable.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in the paragraphs that follow. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1M, there depicts a device 102 of the present disclosure installed (e.g., built-in or retro-fitted) in an exercise apparatus. By way of illustration, the exercise apparatus in FIGS. 1A-1M is a leg press machine 104. The leg press machine 104 includes a loading interface 106 (e.g., a press plate) and a frame 108 that is coupled to the loading interface 106. During a leg press exercise, an exerciser 110 is usually positioned in the seat 150 and uses hand grips 152. The exerciser 110 places his/her legs on the loading interface 106 and presses the loading interface 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D.

As shown, in some embodiments, the device 102 includes a linear adjustment system 112. In some embodiments, the device 112 also includes a manual or mechanical mechanism, such as one or more of a dial, a handle, a knob, a grip and a button, for adjusting the length of the linear adjustment system. As an example, FIGS. 1A-1M illustrates a dial 130 with a handle 132 protruded from the dial 130 for manually adjusting the length of the linear adjustment system.

The linear adjustment system 112 allows the device 102 to adjust its length in the longitudinal direction and to be locked at different lengths as desired, thus fixing the loading interface 106 of the exercise apparatus at different functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface 106. As such, once the device 102 is installed in a selected exercise apparatus such as the leg press machine 104, the device 102 permits an exerciser 110 to exert high load or highest possible load on the loading interface 106 and go to failure using one hundred percent of muscle fiber in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise associated with the exercise apparatus (e.g., leg press apparatus).

For example, in some embodiments, an exerciser 110 performs an exercise that exerts a muscle group through a range of motion. In some embodiments, the range of motion includes a first subrange that is characterized by a first maximum force that can be exerted by the exerciser. The range of motion further includes a second subrange that is characterized by a second maximum force that can be exerted by the exerciser. The second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force. The device or the linear adjustment system of the device can fix the loading interface at a position in the functional range of the loading interface. For instance, the device or the linear adjustment system can fix the loading interface so that it is in the second subrange, and the user does not have to pass through the first subrange to get to the second subrange. At such a position, the exerciser can exert a force on the loading interface with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

When a load or force is exerted on the loading interface 106, the loading interface 106 in turn exerts accordingly a load or force on the linear adjustment system 112. To measure the force exerted on the linear adjustment system 112, the device 102 includes a sensor 114, which is fixedly coupled to the linear adjustment system 112. In some embodiments, the sensor 114 outputs a signal (e.g., analogue or digital signal) in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system 112 has a first end 116 and a second end 118. The first end 116 is configured to be fixedly connected to one of the loading interface 106 and the frame 108 of the exercise apparatus. The sensor 114 has a first side 120 and a second side 122. In some embodiments, the first side 120 of the sensor 114 is fixedly coupled to the second end 118 of the linear adjustment system 112. The second side 122 of the sensor 114 is configured to be fixedly connected to the other of the loading interface 106 and the frame 108 of the exercise apparatus. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1M, the first end 116 of the linear adjustment system 112 is fixedly connected to the loading interface 106 of the exercise apparatus while the second side 122 of the sensor 114 is fixedly connected to the frame 108 of the exercise apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the placement of the device 102 with respect to the leg press machine 104 or any other exercise apparatus in this disclosure is exemplary and non-exclusive. Since the length of the device 102 can be adjusted and locked as desired, the device 102 can be installed in the exercise apparatus in different locations and connected to different components of the exercise apparatus as long as the device 102 can fix the loading interface at different functional positions and the load exerted on the loading interface can be measured (directly or indirectly). For example, the first end of the linear adjustment system can be fixedly connected to the frame instead of the loading interface or connected to different bars or plates or other structural components of the exercise apparatus.

It will also be appreciated that the first end of the linear adjustment system and the second side of the sensor can be directly or indirectly connected to the loading interface or the fame of the exercise apparatus. For example, the first end of the linear adjustment system and the second side of the sensor can be indirectly connected to the loading interface or the fame of the exercise apparatus through other components such as connectors, plates, brackets, or bars. By way of illustration, FIGS. 1A-1M illustrate the first end 116 of the linear adjustment system 112 indirectly connected to the loading interface 106 of the exercise apparatus through other one or more plates 140 and a bar 142.

It will further be appreciated that exercise apparatuses in this disclosure are exemplary and non-exclusive. Since the linear adjustment system 112 allows the device 102 to adjust its length in the longitudinal direction, the device 102 can be installed in a variety of different types of exercise apparatuses. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates the device 102 used with a chest press machine 202 and the exercise is a chess press exercise. As another example, FIG. 3 illustrates the device 102 used with a machine bench press 302 and the exercise is a core pull exercise. As a further example, FIG. 4 illustrates the device 102 used with a vertical lift machine 402 and the exercise is a vertical lift exercise.

Similar to the leg press machine 104 in FIGS. 1A-1M, the placement of the device 102 with respect to the chest press machine 202, the machine bench press 302 or the vertical lift machine 402 is exemplary and non-exclusive. In addition, similar to the leg press machine 104 in FIGS. 1A-1M, the device 102 can be placed in any appropriate position and connected to different components of the chest press machine 202, the machine bench press 302 or the vertical lift machine 402. In some embodiments, the device 102 replaces a hydraulic cylinder or a weight stack in the exercise apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In some embodiments, the device 102 serves as a rigid beam to fix a lever arm or a movable element of the loading interface of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus is an adjustable cable machine and the exercise is a single-arm cable row, a V-grip cable row, a close-grip lateral pulldown, a kneeling lateral pulldown, a face pule external rotation, a standing rotational chop, a cable crunch, a half-kneeling rotational chop, a cable overhead triceps extension, a one-arm cable lateral raise, a 30-degree lateral pulldown, a rope pressdown, a 90-degree cable external rotation, a behind-the back one-arm cable curl, a knelling rotational chop, a cable external rotation, a kneeling stability reverse chop, a cable core press, a straight-arm pulldown, a cable pressdown, a standing cable pullover, a seated cable row, a half-kneeling stability chop, a single-arm cable chest press, a standing side crunch, a face pull, a cable front raise, a kneeling oblique cable crunch, or a reverse-grip.

The loading interface can take a variety of forms. For example, the loading interface 106 includes one or more leg press plates 106 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1M, one or more chest-press loading interfaces 204 as illustrated in FIG. 2, one or more core-pull loading interfaces 304 as illustrated in FIG. 3, or one or more vertical-lift loading interfaces 404 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the device 102 further includes a correlation mechanism that correlates the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise. In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism includes but is not limited to, tables, charts, curves, or polynomials, in which the two operating variables are (i) the amount of force detected by the sensor 114 and (ii) the position of the linear adjustment system 112. In an embodiment, the correlation mechanism includes a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, such as the predetermined master table 808 illustrated in FIG. 8. The predetermined master table 808 includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding actual forces exerted on the loading interface for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each measured force in a plurality of measured weights forces. In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism is embedded in the sensor 114. For instance, in some embodiments the master table 808 will have a plurality of cells, each cell indexed by (i) a measured force on the sensor and (ii) a functional position. Further, the cell with have a value, this value representing the actual force given the indices (i) and (ii).

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there are depicted exemplary linear adjustment systems of the device 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these embodiments are illustrative and non-limiting. Other systems, mechanisms, or structures can be used provided that such systems, mechanisms, or structures facilitate the adjustment of the loading interface of an exercise apparatus and lock the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at different functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a linear actuator 502. The linear actuator 502 includes a fixed portion 504 and an extendable portion 506 axially aligned with the fixed portion. The extendable portion 506 is moveable with respect to the fixed portion 504 in the longitudinal direction of the linear actuator 502. In an embodiment, the fixed portion 504 and the extendable portion 506 are concentric. In another embodiment, the fixed portion 504 and the extendable portion 506 are concentric and have substantially same cross-sections in shape. In some embodiments, the extendable portion has a nominal diameter smaller than the fixed portion. In one embodiment, the fixed portion is hollow and the extendable portion is slidably disposed in the fixed portion.

The linear actuator 502 further includes a locking mechanism 508 to lock the extendable portion at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion. The locking mechanism 508 is activated electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or mechanically.

In some embodiments, the device 102 includes one or more connectors. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the device 102 includes a first connector 510 and a second connector 512. The first connector 510 is disposed at the first end or the second end of the linear adjustment system (e.g., the linear actuator 502) for fixedly connecting that end of the linear adjustment system with the loading interface or the frame of an exercise apparatus. By way of illustration, FIG. 5 shows the first connector 510 disposed at the second end 118 of the linear adjustment system, and FIGS. 1A-1M show the first connector disposed at the first end 116 of the linear adjustment system. The second connector 512 is disposed on the second side 122 of the sensor 114 for fixedly connecting the second side 122 of the sensor 114 with the loading interface or the frame of an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, the first connector 510 and/or the second connector 512 are a tang, a clevis, a clamp, a fastener, a pin, a screw, a bolt, a ring, or the like. In some embodiments, the device 102 further includes a third connector 514 disposed between the linear adjustment system and the sensor. The third connector 514 fixedly connects the other end of the linear adjustment system with the first side 120 of the sensor 114.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-4, in some embodiments, connection of the first end of the linear adjustment to the loading interface or the frame is achieved by connecting the first end of the linear adjustment to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame. For example, FIGS. 1A-4 illustrate the connection through one or more plates and/or bars (e.g., 140, 142, 210, 310, 410) in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame. Similarly, in some embodiments, connection of the second side of the sensor to the loading interface or the frame is achieved by connecting the second side of the sensor to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame. For example, FIGS. 1A-4 illustrate the connection through one or more bars or plates (e.g., 208, 308, 408) in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a crank-driven mechanical system 602. Similar to the linear actuator 502, the crank-driven mechanical system 602 includes a fixed portion 604 and an extendable portion 606 axially aligned with the fixed portion 604. The extendable portion 606 is moveable with respect to the fixed portion 604 in the longitudinal direction of the crank-driven mechanical system 602. In one embodiment, the fixed portion 604 is hollow and the extendable portion is slidably disposed in the fixed portion.

The driven mechanical system 602 further includes a locking mechanism 608 to lock the extendable portion 606 at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion 604. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 608 includes a handle, a knob, a dial or the like 610 for manually moving the extendable portion 606 with respect to the fixed portion 604 along the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system, thereby adjusting the length of the crank-driven mechanical system 602.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a manually adjustable pin system 702. Similar to the linear actuator 502 and the crank-driven mechanical system 602, the manually adjustable pin system 702 includes a fixed portion 704 and an extendable portion 706 axially aligned with the fixed portion. The extendable portion 706 is moveable with respect to the fixed portion 704 in the longitudinal direction of the manually adjustable pin system 702. In one embodiment, the fixed portion 704 is hollow and the extendable portion 706 is slidably disposed in the fixed portion 704.

In some embodiments, the manually adjustable pin system 702 further includes a locking mechanism 708 to lock the extendable portion 706 at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion 704. The locking mechanism 708 includes a hole 710 formed on a wall of the fixed portion 704, and a plurality of holes 712 formed on a wall of the extending portion 706 and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system. The locking mechanism 708 further includes a fastener 714 configured to engage the hole 710 on the fixed portion 704 with anyone of the plurality of holes 712 on the extendable portion 706 to lock the extendable portion 706 with respect to the fixed portion 704.

By way of illustrations, FIG. 7 shows one substantially circular hole formed on the fixed portion and seven substantially circular holes on the extendable portion. It will be appreciated that configuration of the holes (e.g., size, shape, number of holes and locations of the holes on the fixed portion or the extendable portion) on the fixed portion and the extendable portion can be readily varied. For example, the holes on the fixed portion and on the extendable portion can have circular, oval, square, polygonal, elongated, or any suitable shapes in various sizes. As another example, the fixed portion can be formed with more than one hole.

In some embodiments, the length of the linear adjustment system (e.g., linear actuator 502, crank-driven mechanical system 602, or manually adjustable pin system 702) has a length extendable from 5 cm to 1200 cm, 10 cm to 1000 cm, or 30 cm to 500 cm. It will be appreciated that this range will depend upon the characteristics of the exercise machine.

In some embodiments, the linear adjustment system (e.g., linear actuator 502, crank-driven mechanical system 602, or manually adjustable pin system 702) is configured such that the length of the linear adjustment system and thence the length of the device 102 is adjustable continuously. In some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is configured such that the length of the linear adjustment system and thence the length of the device is incrementally adjustable by an increment amount. In some embodiments, the increment amount is a fixed amount that is between 0.3 inches and 0.5 inches, between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch, between 1.0 inches and 1.5 inches, between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches, between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches, between 2.5 inches and 3.0 inches, between 3.0 inches and 3.5 inches, between 3.5 inches and 4.0 inches, between 4.0 inches and 4.5 inches, or between 4.5 inches and 5.0 inches, or SI equivalents thereof.

Turning now to FIG. 8, there depicts a schematic diagram illustrating a sensor 114 of the device 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the sensor 114 includes a load cell 802 that outputs an analog signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system. In an embodiment, the load cell 802 includes a strain gauge load cell. In some embodiments, the sensor 114 also includes electronic circuitry 804 that converts the analog signal to a digital signal. In some embodiments, the sensor 114 further includes a port that outputs the digital signal. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry converts the analog signal to a USB-compatible digital signal, and the port is a USB port.

In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism includes a master table to correlate the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise. The master table is predetermined for the exercise apparatus or for various exercise apparatuses. In some embodiments, the master table such as the master table 808 is stored or embedded in the sensor 114 as illustrated in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the predetermined master table 808 includes a set of forces measured by the sensor 114 and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights.

In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table 808, the plurality of functional positions of the loading interface corresponds to the length of the device or the length of the linear adjustment system with a fixed increment amount that is between 0.3 inches and 0.5 inches, between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch, between 1.0 inches and 1.5 inches, between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches, between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches, between 2.5 inches and 3.0 inches, between 3.0 inches and 3.5 inches, between 3.5 inches and 4.0 inches, between 4.0 inches and 4.5 inches, or between 4.5 inches and 5.0 inches.

In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table 808, weight increment in the plurality of weights is varied. In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table 808, weight increment in the plurality of weights is a fixed amount that is between 1 pound and 5 pounds, between 5 pounds and 10 pounds, between 10 pounds and 20 pounds, between 20 pounds and 30 pounds, between 30 pounds and 40 pounds, or between 40 pounds and 50 pounds.

In some embodiments, the sensor 114 further includes a processor 810 that uses the predetermined master table 808 to determine the force exerted on the loading interface based on the force exerted on the linear adjustment system by an exerciser and the functional position of the loading interface.

In some embodiments, the sensor 114 is electrically or wirelessly connected to an electronic device 812. The sensor 114 outputs the measured force on the linear adjustment system, the force exerted on the loading interface of the exercise apparatus or both forces to the electronic device 812. In some embodiments, the electronic device 812 is a display, a smartphone, a computer, a server, a receiver, or other electronic devices and systems. By way of illustration, FIG. 1E illustrates the sensor 114 connected to an electronic device 136 (e.g., display, monitor, or screen) via a cable 134. In some embodiments, the electronic device performs one or more of the following: (i) displaying the measured force on the linear adjustment system, the force exerted on the loading interface or both forces, and (ii) determining an osteogenic loading based on the one or more of the measured force on the linear adjustment system and the force exerted on the loading interface. The term “osteogenic loading” used herein refers to optimal functional positions and highest possible loads applied at optimal functional positions.

REFERENCES CITED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A device for an exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise, the device comprising:

a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface, wherein, the linear adjustment system comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end is configured to be fixedly connected to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus; and

a sensor comprising a first side fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system and a second side configured to be fixedly connected to the other of the loading interface and the frame, wherein the sensor measures a force exerted on the linear adjustment system, and the sensor outputs a signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system,

wherein, the exercise exerts a muscle group of a subject through a range of motion, the range of motion includes a first subrange and a second subrange, the first subrange is characterized by a first maximum force, wherein the first maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the first subrange, the second subrange is characterized by a second maximum force, wherein the second maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the second subrange, the second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force, and the linear adjustment system fixes the loading interface at a position in the functional range of the loading interface that permits the subject to exert a force on the loading interface with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a correlation mechanism that correlates the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be retro-fitted into the exercise apparatus.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be retro-fitted into the exercise apparatus, and the exercise apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a leg press machine, an adjustable cable machine, a chest press machine, and a machine bench press.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device replaces a hydraulic cylinder or a weight stack in the exercise apparatus.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device serves as a rigid beam to fix a lever arm or a movable element of the loading interface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the exercise is a leg press exercise, a core pull exercise, a chess press exercise, or a vertical lift exercise.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus is an adjustable cable machine and the exercise is a single-arm cable row, a V-grip cable row, a close-grip lateral pulldown, a kneeling lateral pulldown, a face pule external rotation, a standing rotational chop, a cable crunch, a half-kneeling rotational chop, a cable overhead triceps extension, a one-arm cable lateral raise, a 30-degree lateral pulldown, a rope pressdown, a 90-degree cable external rotation, a behind-the back one-arm cable curl, a knelling rotational chop, a cable external rotation, a kneeling stability reverse chop, a cable core press, a straight-arm pulldown, a cable pressdown, a standing cable pullover, a seated cable row, a half-kneeling stability chop, a single-arm cable chest press, a standing side crunch, a face pull, a cable front raise, a kneeling oblique cable crunch, or a reverse-grip.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the loading interface includes one or more leg press plates, one or more chest-press loading interfaces, one or more core-pull loading interfaces, or one or more vertical-lift loading interfaces.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the linear adjustment system is a linear actuator, a crank-driven mechanical system or a manually adjustable pin system.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the linear adjustment system is configured so that the length of the linear adjustment system is incrementally adjustable by an increment amount.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the increment amount is a fixed amount that is between 0.3 inches and 0.5 inches, between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch, between 1.0 inches and 1.5 inches, between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches, between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches, between 2.5 inches and 3.0 inches, between 3.0 inches and 3.5 inches, between 3.5 inches and 4.0 inches, between 4.0 inches and 4.5 inches, or between 4.5 inches and 5.0 inches.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the linear adjustment system comprises:

a fixed portion,

an extendable portion axially aligned with the fixed portion, wherein the extendable portion is moveable with respect to the fixed portion in the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system; and

a locking mechanism to lock the extendable portion at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the linear adjustment system further comprises:

a handle for manually moving the extendable portion with respect to the fixed portion along the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fixed portion and the extendable portion are concentric.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the fixed portion and the extendable portion are concentric and have substantially same cross-sections in shape.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the extendable portion has a nominal diameter smaller than the fixed portion.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein:

the fixed portion has a hole formed on a wall of the fixed portion;

the extendable portion has a plurality of holes formed on a wall of the extending portion and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system; and

the locking mechanism includes a fastener configured to engage the hole on the fixed portion with anyone of the plurality of holes on the extendable portion to lock the extendable portion with respect to the fixed portion.

19. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following:

a first connector fixedly connecting the first end of the linear adjustment system with the one of the loading interface and the frame;

a second connector fixedly connecting the second side of the sensor with the other of the loading interface and the frame; and

a third connector fixedly connecting the second end of the linear adjustment system with the first side of the sensor.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first connector or the second connector is selected from the group consisting of a tang, a clevis, a clamp, a fastener, a pin, a screw, a bolt, and a ring.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein connection of the first end of the linear adjustment to the one of the loading interface and the frame is achieved by connecting the first end of the linear adjustment to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein connection of the first end of the linear adjustment to the one of the loading interface and the frame is achieved by connecting the first end of the linear adjustment to one or more bars or plates in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein connection of the second side of the sensor to the other of the loading interface and the frame is achieved by connecting the second side of the sensor to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein connection of the second side of the sensor to the other of the loading interface and the frame is achieved by connecting the second side of the sensor to one or more bars or plates in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises:

a load cell that outputs an analog signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system;

electronic circuitry for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; and

a port that outputs the digital signal.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the electronic circuitry converts the analog signal to a USB-compatible digital signal, and the port is a USB port.

27. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the sensor stores a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, and

for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface.

28. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the sensor stores a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, wherein for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface; and

the sensor further comprises a processor that uses the predetermined master table to determine the force exerted on the loading interface based on the force exerted on the linear adjustment system by an exerciser and the functional position of the loading interface.

29. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is electrically or wirelessly connected to an electronic device, and the sensor outputs one or more of the measured force on the linear adjustment system and the force exerted on the loading interface of the exercise apparatus to the electronic device.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the electric device is a display, a smartphone, a computer, a server, or a receiver.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein the electronic device performs one or more of the following:

displaying the one or more of the measured force on the linear adjustment system and the force exerted on the loading interface; and

determining an osteogenic loading based on the one or more of the measured force on the linear adjustment system and the force exerted on the loading interface.

32. A device for an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise, the device comprising:

a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface, wherein the linear adjustment system comprises a first end and a second end;

a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system and configured to measure a force exerted on the linear adjustment system, wherein the sensor comprises a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system;

a first connector configured to fixedly connect the first end of the linear adjustment system to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus; and

a second connector configured to fixedly connect the second side of the sensor with the other of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus;

wherein: the exercise exerts a muscle group of a subject through a range of motion, the range of motion includes a first subrange and a second subrange, the first subrange is characterized by a first maximum force, wherein the first maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the first subrange, the second subrange is characterized by a second maximum force, wherein the second maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the second subrange, the second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force, and the linear adjustment fixes the loading interface at a position in the functional range of the loading interface that permits the subject to exert a force on the loading interface with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the device is configured to be installed in one or more different types of exercise apparatuses.

34. The device of claim 32, wherein the device further comprises a correlation mechanism that correlates the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein the correlation mechanism is embedded in the sensor.

36. The device of claim 34, wherein the correlation mechanism comprises a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, wherein for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface.

37. The device of claim 32, wherein the device is configured to perform one or more of the following:

replacing a hydraulic cylinder or a weight stack in the exercise apparatus; and

serving as a rigid beam to fix a lever arm or other movable element of the loading interface in the exercise apparatus.

38. A device for an exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise, the device comprising:

a linear adjustment system that varies a length of the device in a longitudinal direction thereby fixing the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface, wherein the linear adjustment system comprises a first end and a second end;

a sensor coupled to the linear adjustment system and configured to measure a force exerted on the linear adjustment system, wherein the sensor comprises a first side and a second side, and the first side is fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system;

a first connector that fixedly connects the first end of the linear adjustment system to one of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus;

a second connector that fixedly connects the second side of the sensor with the other of the loading interface and the frame of the exercise apparatus; and

a correlating mechanism that correlates a force exerted on the linear adjustment system with a force exerted on the loading interface of the exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus is any one of a plurality of different types of exercise apparatuses;

wherein: the exercise exerts a muscle group of a subject through a range of motion, the range of motion includes a first subrange and a second subrange, the first subrange is characterized by a first maximum force, wherein the first maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the first subrange, the second subrange is characterized by a second maximum force, wherein the second maximum force is a maximum force that can be exerted by the subject through the second subrange, the second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force, and the linear adjustment fixes the loading interface at a position in the functional range of the loading interface that permits the subject to exert a force on the loading interface with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

39. The device of claim 38, wherein the plurality of different types of exercise apparatuses comprises a leg press machine, an adjustable cable machine, a chest press machine, and a machine bench press.

40. The device of claim 38, wherein the correlating mechanism comprises a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, wherein for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface.