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

[0034]In a preferred embodiment, the exercise assembly of the present invention comprises a tilt platform that enables a user to receive “real-time” visual feedback during exercise performance. Such tilt platform further stimulates both sides (limbs) of a user's body during exercise and dynamically activates balancing mechanisms that require a user to coordinate both sides of the body in order to balance the resistance that is being pulled.

[0035]Said tilt platform is more responsive and sensitive to the uneven contribution of each limb to force exertion during bilateral exercise. Due to its sensitivity, the tilt platform provides the user “real-time” biofeedback via force output and constantly challenges the user to keep the platform from tilting. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the platform in a horizontally level position (i.e., parallel to the top plate of the weight stack) during bilateral exercise performance. Additionally, by utilizing said tilt platform, the integrated benefits to a user during exercise performance will be substantially greater by way of challenging a user's kinesthetic system.

[0036]Even though the springs are “guided” in a linear manner with guide rods, the tilt platform is dynamic, thus constantly giving feedback to the user via force output and challenging said user to make any necessary adjustments in order to keep said tilt platform in a relatively horizontal position. As a result, the tilt platform requires balance and an increased mind-body connection, as well as an improved neuro-muscular function. By focusing on keeping the tilt platform in a relatively horizontal position (i.e., parallel to the top plate of the spring assembly), the user (1) has “real-time” visual feedback due to the sensitivity and response of said tilt platform; and (2) is forced to make any necessary adjustments, and as a result, can engage the mind to focus on controlling the speed of the exercise movement, thereby enabling the nervous system to develop a better muscle / strength balance.

[0037]Thus, the tilt platform allows a user to visually see which limb is contributing more or less output, or effort, during bilateral training. For example, if the left limb is exerting more force, the left side of the tilt platform will lift in a relatively upward direction and the right side of the tilt platform will drop or tilt in a relatively downward direction, thereby indicating that the right limb is not contributing as much effort as the left limb. By constantly adjusting the force that is exerted by the limbs during exercise performance to make them equal, the user will be able to train the brain and nervous system and to train the muscles to perform equally, thereby correcting strength imbalance between two limbs.

[0038]Through visual feedback, a user can now turn strength “imbalance” between two limbs into “balance” by way of lifting with both limbs relatively equally during exercise performance. The user will be able to learn not to lead with a dominant side, but rather to use both limbs equally and evenly during bilateral training. As a result, when there is a dual balance between the two limbs, which is represented by two independent (separate) cables working together during bilateral exercise, there is no longer a force output or tension imbalance due to strength imbalance.

[0039]The dual balance exercise assembly of the present invention permits a user to work both sides of the body in a coordinated, dynamic manner using bilateral strength or resistance training. In addition to other benefits, such balanced training and said tilt platform can also significantly improve physical therapy outcomes and training outcomes. By challenging a user's nervous system, muscles and connective tissues work together to achieve balanced effort. As a result, a user's body is able to learn how to strengthen the weaker side of the body by integrating and strengthening the mind-body connection.

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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