Multi-degree of freedom resistance exercise device

Abstract

A rehabilitative and / or exercise machine that has a frame with attachments to multiple independent bidirectional resistance devices (pneumatic, hydraulic, spring actuated, pulley system, cam, or any other resistance devices) used by the arms and / or legs to provide resistance against movement of the user's appendages in two substantially opposed directions. The resistance devices may have a mechanism such as one or more valves, brakes, springs, or the like that control bi-directional resistance. The action of the arms and / or legs in bi-directional resistance offers near full body exercise of the agonist / antagonist muscles using flexion and extension action of the larger muscle groups in a gait pattern, simultaneously. Hand engaging members attach to the arm resistance devices and foot engaging members attach to the leg resistance devices. The unit may include an attached inclined backboard, mat, bench, or cushion to fully or partially support the user, such as for the user to sit or lay on. The unit may have separate adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the height and / or length of the various portions of the unit to adjust the range of motion of the appendages. The unit may have devices to monitor pulse, oxygen flow and other vital signs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 336,861, filed on May 16, 2016. The disclosure of the provisional applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to exercise devices, and, more particularly, relates to devices having multiple resistance elements permitting the user to exercise his or her arms and / or legs synchronously in full or nearly full range of motion without the influence of gravity.Description of the Prior Art[0003]There are two major reasons people don't exercise. The most common objection is the time it takes for a workout, typically at least 45-60 minutes, performed three or more times per week. The second most common objection to exercise is the lack of results from engaging in an exercise program.[0004]Safety concerns about exercise in general also limit or altoge...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The exercise apparatus described in this patent allows for full range of motion in both active and resistance movements. It consists of a base, two pairs of bi-directional resistance elements, and two foot-engagement members. Each resistance element has a free range of motion, allowing for a more effective exercise. The apparatus also provides resistance for both hands and feet, allowing for a more complete workout.

Problems solved by technology

The most common objection is the time it takes for a workout, typically at least 45-60 minutes, performed three or more times per week.

The second most common objection to exercise is the lack of results from engaging in an exercise program.

Safety concerns about exercise in general also limit or altogether preclude many from exercise, including those who: have heart conditions; have balance problems; have dizziness and occasionally lose consciousness; have bone or joint pain made worse by weight-bearing activity; or have neuropathy made worse by weight-bearing activity.

In particular, the exercise machines described in the prior art generally limit the user to extension of one set of limbs during exercise.

The prior art previously only allowed for range of motion in one set of limbs, thereby only allowing for muscle activation in fewer than desired muscle groups.

Efficient exercise tears down striated muscle and cardiac muscle, forcing the body to rebuild and repair.

The prior art fails to disclose exercise machines that allow for the most effective high intensive interval training because they generally only use a smaller number of muscle groups at a time.

That is, they are stuck in a catabolic phase and cannot begin the anabolic phase needed to recover and repair, or they are stuck in an anabolic phase in which their body is working desperately in an attempt to complete recovery from the previous catabolic workouts.

But they do not complete the anabolic recovery phase before their next workout.

In either case, most people over-train and continue exercising while they are not fully recovered.

Continuing to exercise beyond the plateau will only make a person tired, hungry, and irritable, have more pain, waste more time, expose them to injury, and age faster.

However, there has heretofore not been proposed an exercise machine that can provide such an effective workout.

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