Continuously variable resistance exercise system

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-09-25
ETTER DANA V +3
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]3. A sophisticated feedback control system (a) monitors distance, time, and applied force by user, (b) systematically controls the resistance force to complete each repetition in the spec

Problems solved by technology

Since no exercise system currently provides electronically controlled, continuously variable resistance with timed intervals, the overall benefits of timed intervals in exercise programs are still widely unknown.
There are several disadvantages of current weightlifting devices.
First of all, none of the present day weightlifting machines has the ability to continuously vary the selected resistance force to achieve the optimal physiological exercise programs described above.
In addition these systems cannot adjust the resistance downward to compensate for the capability of fatiguing muscles.
As a result, exhaustion of the targeted muscle tissues does not occur efficiently, if at all.
Secondly, the desirable benefits from the substantially higher resistance forces during the negative stroke of the exercise cannot be achieved on the current weightlifting machines without the assistance of another person, called a spotter.
The positive lifts of this exercise technique have limited benefits due to the inconsistent assistance of the spotter.
Finally, current weightlifting systems are not capable of monitoring and controlling various aspects of the exercise programs.
Both types of hydraulic exercise systems provide limited ability to vary the resistance to the user in both the positives and negative strokes (or lifts) of the exercise.
These hydraulic exercise systems require mechanical linkages for a solid (vs. flexible) force connection to the user interface, making th

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example one

Illustration Shows Use of a Cable Keeper

[0082]Power torque is always in one direction—by control box it will allow cable to extend at an adjustable distance / time and then will retract cable at an adjustable distance / time. This will be an irresistible force and cannot be overcome by user. By mechanical means the user's effort to resist will always be in a direction opposed to power source. Power source will act as brake as cable extends and as power winch as cable retracts. User will exercise one muscle or one group of muscles at a time to exhaustion (on existing muscle specific machines) by resisting against opposing force. Cable keeper will assure that cable does not go slack at any time while in use or out of use. Control box collects information from cable tension and winch force to store, interpret and display multiple information for user's evaluation, history and self-improvement.

[0083]This appliance may be attached to and replace the weight stack of compatible weight machines...

embodiment

General Embodiment

Problems to be Solved, Advantages, and Accomplishments

[0084]A. Problems[0085]Weightlifting has certain rules relative to gaining the best results for your efforts: These rules include the following:[0086]1. one should lift on a timed basis[0087]a. If one lifts too quickly with wild abandon he may create momentum which can carry him past certain parts of his lift. This person will not benefit from these relaxed portions of his lift because certain muscle fibers will not be contracted. He will not experience a full muscle contraction.[0088]b. If one lifts to slowly, it is difficult to maintain a steady lifting motion without any jerking. Jerking gives muscle fibers momentary rests. Steady lifting is more desirable because it gives you a more intense contraction.[0089]2. A variable resistance is very desirable as a muscle comes closer and closer to a dull contraction, it is able to exert more force. When a muscle is in its fully extended position at the beginning of a...

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PUM

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Abstract

An exercise system adapted to provide a truly interactive level of exercise with timed exercise intervals that are shown to be optimal in various physiological studies. An example of this invention provides the following unique features: (1) electronically controlled, continuously variable resistance in the positive stroke that responds to the user's efforts and varies the resistance according to the user's current physiological needs; (2) electronically controlled, continuously variable resistance force in the negative stroke that incrementally overcomes the positive muscle contraction and returns to the original position to complete each repetition; and (3) a sophisticated feedback control system that (a) monitors distance, time, and applied force by a user, (b) systematically controls the resistance force to complete each repetition in the specified time intervals, (c) maintains a smooth transition throughout the range of motion, and (d) virtually eliminates the variations of resistance caused by biomechanics, friction, inertia, etc. As a result, an example of the present invention provides the optimum in various types of exercise programs, including but not limited to (1) muscle building, (2) muscle toning, and (3) physical rehabilitation.

Description

[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 61 / 786,865, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0002]Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of exercise equipment. More specifically, exemplary embodiments of this invention use electronic control of various types of resistance forces to achieve continuously variable resistance throughout the exercise range of motion and number of repetitions in a unique manner that continuously responds to the force applied by the user.[0003]A great variety of machines have been developed for exercising various portions of the human body with the primary purpose of building and / or toning certain muscle groups.[0004]Physiological Studies: Many physiological studies have shown that the building of muscles (i.e. increase in muscle mass or tissue) results from the exhaustion of existing muscle tissues. Additional p...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A63B24/00
CPCA63B2024/0093A63B24/0087A63B21/002A63B21/0058A63B21/008A63B21/0085A63B21/06A63B21/153A63B24/0062A63B2024/0068A63B2071/0081A63B2071/0666A63B2071/068A63B2220/20A63B2220/30A63B2220/51A63B2225/20A63B2225/50A63B2230/06
Inventor ETTER, DANA V.ETTER, THOMAS A.ETTER, ROBERT E.ETTER, ROGER G.
Owner ETTER DANA V
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