Continuously variable resistance exercise system

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new exercise system for muscle toning that uses less resistance force and more exercise repetitions. The system has several unique features, including adjustable, controlled, consistent, and programmable resistance force, time, and distance. It also includes a feedback control system that monitors and controls the resistance force to smoothly transition through the range of motion and eliminate variations caused by biomechanics and friction. Overall, this system provides a truly interactive and effective workout for muscle toning.

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 them physically cumbersome.

The electronic control of these hydraulic systems is also cumbersome, with limited performance characteristics.

Consequently, these systems are expensive, and fall far short of the performance capabilities of the present invention.

Additional disadvantages include (1) potential leaks (air / liquid) and air bubbles in liquid hydraulic systems, both resulting in lost resistance force and (2) the need for regular maintenance by trained personnel to insure proper operation.

The user sets the initial weight, and the feedback network adjusts and decreases the resistance as the user progresses through a set of exercises and gradually begins to approach muscle failure.

Prior art has reached a level of electronically controlled variable resistance, but has not yet achieved the truly interactive level with timed intervals demanded by the current trend in physiological studies.

These exercise systems do not respond to the user's efforts and vary the resistance according to the user's current physiological needs.

Furthermore, the prior art does not continually control the weightlifting cycle to assure that the user maintains (1) smooth transitions throughout the range of motion and (2) a consistent timed interval (preset by user or program) for each exercise stroke and / or repetition.

Finally, the prior art does not control the user's exercise in a manner that eliminates the detrimental effects of excess momentum, inertia and other mechanical effects.

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