Dual Balance Spring Tower Apparatus and Method of Using Same

Abstract

A resistance exercise machine having cable and pulley linkage assemblies attached to a plurality of springs, or other resistance sources. Each cable and pulley linkage assembly, which is independent of the other(s), can be used by one arm or leg during bilateral exercise resistance training (that is, training in which both limbs of a pair are used to simultaneously pull a certain resistance). A tilt platform and biofeedback assembly display and measure in real-time how much each limb of a pair is contributing so such exercise movement and effort.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 818,182, filed Mar. 14, 2019, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]NoneBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention pertains to a weight resistance exercise machine. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an exercise assembly having a multi-cable and pulley linkage system attached to a plurality of springs, or other resistance means, and attached to a biofeedback system. More particularly still, the present invention pertains to a Dual Balance (DB) Spring Tower assembly, or an exercise assembly, that can be used alongside other Pilates' equipment, although it can be used equally in other exercise settings that incorporate strength training equipment.2. Brief Description of the Prior Art[0004]“Pilates” is a popula...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a dual balance exercise assembly that allows a user to work both sides of the body in a coordinated, dynamic manner using bilateral strength or resistance training. The design separates the weight resistance between two springs, resulting in equal work for both limbs. This splits the work required to perform the exercise movement and requires less effort. The design also allows the user to use only one limb at a time to perform an exercise movement. The use of a training platform tilt can further improve physical therapy and training outcomes by challenging the user's nervous system and muscles to work together and learn how to strengthen the weaker side of the body. Overall, the design promotes balanced effort and integration of mind and body, improving performance and strength.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of the Pilates Reformer design is that it cannot be used to exercise from a standing position with feet planted on the floor (ground surface).

As such, exercises done from a lying, sitting or kneeling position are not as beneficial or transfer as well to real-life movements done from a standing position.

One result of this design drawback in the Pilates Reformer was to provide Pilates' practitioners with complementary equipment, to perform Pilates based exercises from a standing position.

One problem is that this single spring resistance (one for each limb) is not suitable for all of the different strength levels of the new trainees, especially for men; but also for women who vary greatly in terms of starting strength.

For some, the starting resistance is too light, for others it is too heavy.

Furthermore, when these same springs are used continually over an extended period of time, there is no noticeable improvement in strength.

It is to be noted that a major drawback to this approach is that the different muscle groups vary in their ability to produce force.

Some muscles are weaker, other muscles are stronger, and the additional springs with greater resistance cannot address the varying strength capabilities of different muscle groups and the strength variances of different individuals.

Also, the resistance progression with the new springs is too much for most trainees, especially women.

The problem with this design is evident when the springs are stretched horizontally in many exercises.

This takes up a lot of extra space in the immediate exercise area.

The trainee encounters the same problem of no tension in certain parts of the exercise movement, when he or she has to be positioned near the frame in order to start the exercise.

The drawback with this spring resistance design is that it does not provide for sufficient “gradual” progressions needed to enhance potential strength, or address the vast differences in strength of different individuals.

Even two to three progressions do not meet the minimum requirements of real-life strength that can be acquired through “progressive” resistance training.

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