US20040138032A1 - Resistance assembly - Google Patents
Resistance assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040138032A1 US20040138032A1 US10/611,870 US61187003A US2004138032A1 US 20040138032 A1 US20040138032 A1 US 20040138032A1 US 61187003 A US61187003 A US 61187003A US 2004138032 A1 US2004138032 A1 US 2004138032A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cylinder
- elongate member
- interior
- resistance assembly
- sectional area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004247 hand Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
- A63B21/156—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00065—Mechanical means for varying the resistance by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00069—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0085—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0087—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters of the piston-cylinder type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0407—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
- A63B21/0428—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
- A63B21/0557—Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4043—Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0228—Sitting on the buttocks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0228—Sitting on the buttocks
- A63B2208/0233—Sitting on the buttocks in 90/90 position, like on a chair
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
Definitions
- This invention relates to a resistance assembly for use in an exercise machine.
- Exercise machines make use of diverse devices such as free weights, weight plates, elastic bands, springs and the like to provide a resistance force against which a user can exercise. It has been found that, in many of these machines, the stroke length, which is the distance against which a user moves his arms or legs, as the case may be, against a resistive force, must be reasonably long and this, in turn, means that an exercise machine must also be of substantial dimensions.
- the spring characteristic is such that the resistance force increases more or less linearly with spring deformation. In other words the more the resistance device is moved the greater is the resistance force which acts against movement from the user. This is not necessarily a desirable characteristic.
- the positive resistance force which is the resistance force displayed by the resistance device when energy is put into an exercise machine by a user
- the exercise machine should, as noted, be compact and light so that it is suited for easy storage and transport. It is also desirable to be able to use the machine in one of at least two modes eg. by working against a resistance force by pulling downwardly on an actuator which may be of any suitable form eg. a handle, a bar, an ankle or wrist cuff, or the like, or by working against a resistance force by pulling upwardly on an actuator.
- an actuator which may be of any suitable form eg. a handle, a bar, an ankle or wrist cuff, or the like, or by working against a resistance force by pulling upwardly on an actuator.
- the invention provides a resistance assembly for use in an exercise machine which includes an elongate first cylinder with a first cross sectional area, an interior of the first cylinder, in use, being pressurised with a gas, an elongate member with a first end and a second end, the elongate member extending partly into the interior of the first cylinder with the first end inside the first cylinder and the second end outside the first cylinder, the elongate member being mounted for reciprocating movement, in its longitudinal direction, relatively to the first cylinder, the elongate member upon being moved by a distance t into the interior of the first cylinder displacing a volume of gas which is given by the expression l ⁇ a where a is a second cross sectional area which is smaller than the first cross sectional area, and a formation at a location selected from a position on the elongate member which is outside the first cylinder and a position on the first cylinder for connection to an actuator whereby a user can cause movement of the elongate member relatively
- the resistance assembly may include apparatus for pressurizing the interior of the first cylinder with a gas.
- the elongate member is tubular with a hollow interior and the first end is open and in communication with the interior of the first cylinder, and the second end is sealed.
- the cross sectional area of the hollow interior is equal to the second cross sectional area.
- the elongate member has a cross sectional area which is equal to the second cross sectional area.
- the elongate member may be solid or, if tubular, its inner end is sealed.
- the assembly may include a piston head, with inner and outer sides, which is fixed to the first end of the elongate member and which is engageable with an internal surface of the first cylinder and which acts to guide the reciprocating movement of the elongate element and wherein, within the interior of the first cylinder, the pressure of the gas on the inner side of the piston head is the same as the pressure of the gas on the outer side of the piston head.
- the piston head may include at least one formation which allows for free movement of gas, inside the interior of the first cylinder, between the inner side of the piston head and the outer side of the piston head.
- the at least one formation may be a passage in the piston head between the inner side and the outer side thereof.
- the resistance assembly includes a second cylinder which is located at least partly within the first cylinder and which includes an inner end through which at least part of an interior of the second cylinder is placed in gas communication with the interior of the first cylinder and an outer end, the elongate member extending partly into the second cylinder with the first end of the elongate member inside the second cylinder and the second end of the elongate member extending from the outer end of the second cylinder, the reciprocating movement of the elongate member taking place inside the second cylinder, and a piston head at the first end of the elongate member which is in sealing and reciprocating contact with an opposed inner surface of the second cylinder.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise machine which includes a resistance assembly according to the invention, in a ready-to-use state;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front of the machine with certain components removed to simplify the illustration;
- FIG. 3 illustrates moving components of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 illustrate a different type of resistance assembly to what is employed in the machine of FIGS. 1 to 3 ;
- FIG. 5 shows another type of resistance assembly, according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 schematically depicts a prior art type of resistance assembly.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrate an exercise machine 10 which uses a resistance assembly according to a first form of the invention.
- the exercise machine includes a frame 12 to which is attached a seat 16 on which a user can be seated, and a backrest 18 for the back of a user positioned on the seat.
- the seat 16 which is normally braced by one or more stays 20
- the backrest 18 which is braced by one or more stays 22 can be pivoted towards the frame to take up a compact position.
- a structure 24 can be used at an upper end of the frame as a holder for a card which carries information on exercise sequences particularly if the backrest is moved to a compact storage position adjacent the frame.
- the frame is supported at an inclined position relatively to the ground 26 by a downwardly depending U-member 28 which is attached at a pivot point 30 to brackets 32 on a rear side of the frame 12 .
- the U-member 28 can be moved inwardly towards the frame 12 for storage and transport purposes or, as is shown in FIG. 1, can be moved away from the frame to provide a maximum degree of stable support for the frame.
- the exercise machine includes a footpiece 36 at a foot of the frame.
- the footpiece forms a housing in which are located an electric motor 38 and an air pump or compressor 40 which is driven by the motor and which delivers air via a flexible pipe 42 to a cylinder 44 which is supported by the frame 12 .
- An upper surface 46 of the footpiece housing is serrated or roughened and provides a reactive surface against which feet of a user, positioned on the seat, react.
- a flexible electric cord 50 extends from the motor to a main electrical supply point, not shown.
- a switch 52 on the footpiece 36 can be actuated by a foot of a user to connect the motor 38 to the main supply or turn the electrical supply off. In this way the operation of the motor 38 can be controlled.
- a pressure relief valve 60 is connected to the cylinder 44 via a flexible line 62 .
- the pressure relief valve can also be operated by means of a foot of a user. Thus it is possible for the user to turn the compressor on and thereby pressurise the cylinder 44 ; turn the compressor off; or reduce the pressure inside the cylinder by actuating the valve 60 .
- the cylinder 44 is connected to a piston 70 to make up a resistance assembly 72 , according to a first form of the invention, which provides a resistance force for a user. The manner in which this is achieved is described hereinafter.
- the cylinder 44 has a lower end 74 which is sealed and which is mounted to a lower wheeled carriage 76 .
- the piston 70 has a piston head 78 which is mounted for reciprocating movement inside the cylinder and a piston rod 80 which extends from the head. An upper end of the rod is mounted to an upper wheeled carriage 82 .
- a first pulley and cable system 84 is mounted to act on the lower carriage 76 while a second pulley and cable system 86 is mounted to act on the upper carriage 82 .
- the system 84 includes a pair of handles 88 A and 88 B which are connected to each other by means of a cable 90 which passes over a succession of pulleys 92 A to 92 E respectively.
- the pulley 92 C is connected to the carriage 76 by means of a cable 98 which passes over pulleys 100 A and 100 B on the carriage.
- An end of the cable 98 is attached to an anchor point 102 on the frame 12 .
- the system 86 has handles 108 A and 108 B respectively at a lower side of the frame which are connected to a cable 110 which passes over pulleys 112 A to 112 E respectively.
- the pulley 112 C is connected to the carriage 82 by means of a cable 114 which passes over pulleys 116 A and 116 B which are mounted to the carriage.
- An end of the cable is tied to an anchor point 118 on the frame.
- the piston head 78 acts only in a guiding capacity within the cylinder.
- the piston head is formed with a plurality of formations in the form of notches or cut-outs 120 which define passages through the piston head and consequently the pressure inside the cylinder on one side of the piston head is the same as the pressure on an opposing side of the head.
- the piston rod 80 is tubular with a hollow interior 122 .
- a plug 124 seals an upper end of the rod 80 .
- a lower end of the rod, which is connected to the piston head 78 , is open and forms a mouth 126 which places the interior of the cylinder 44 in communication with the hollow interior of the rod.
- the frame 12 When the exercise machine is to be used the frame 12 is positioned so that it has the orientation shown in FIG. 1. A user could be seated, kneeling or standing while exercising. Assume the user positions himself on the seat 16 with his back against the backrest 18 . The user activates the switch 52 with one of his feet and the motor 38 is energised and then drives the compressor 40 . Once the interior of the cylinder 44 has been pressurised to a desired air pressure the motor is turned off. If the pressure inside the cylinder is too high the pressure relief valve 60 is actuated to allow air to escape from the cylinder. It is therefore relatively easy for a user to adjust or control the pressure inside the cylinder using the foot-operated controls 52 and 60 .
- the stroke length of the handles 88 A and 88 B is four times the stroke length of the piston into the cylinder.
- the piston and cylinder assembly can be relatively compact compared to the stroke length of the exercise machine. This carries a further benefit in that the change in pressure, inside the cylinder, as the assembly is telescoped is restricted because the extent of movement of the piston relatively to the cylinder is limited.
- the handles 108 A and 108 B exhibit the same relatively long stroke length, compared to the stroke length of the piston into the cylinder, as the handles 88 A and 88 B.
- the exercise machine 10 has a number of significant benefits. Firstly, it is possible for a user to adjust the pressure inside the cylinder 44 and this in turn means that the user can adjust the resistance force according to his physical condition even while exercising. The adjustment is done without the user needing to disengage his hands from the handles 88 or 108 , as the case may be. Secondly, as noted, the stroke length which results when the handles 88 or 108 are used is four times the stroke length of the piston into the cylinder. This allows for a compact construction of the exercise machine.
- the number of pulleys in each of the systems 84 and 86 is relatively low and this means that frictional losses are kept to a minimum. Consequently the positive resistance force displayed by the piston and cylinder assembly 72 (ie. the force which results when the handles 88 are moved in the direction of the arrows 130 or when the handles 108 are moved in the direction of the arrows 142 ) is only slightly greater than the negative resistance force which is the force produced when the air inside the cylinder 44 expands to restore the piston and cylinder assembly to its extended position.
- a further benefit, already alluded to, is that the force which is needed to drive the piston rod deeper into the cylinder increases only slightly as the rod extends into the cylinder. This force is a function of the pressure inside the cylinder and if the pressure is sufficiently high the relative increase in the force, as the piston moves into the cylinder, is comparatively low. The extent to which the force increases is a function of the relative volumes of the cylinder 44 and of the interior of the hollow rod 80 .
- the exercise machine is lightweight.
- the resistance force results from the use of a cylinder and piston assembly which is pressurised with air by a user to a chosen, controlled level which is readily adjustable.
- the need for heavy weights is therefore eliminated.
- the exercise machine can be folded compactly into a fairly flat arrangement which can, for example, be stored under a bed or behind a door when not required.
- the compressor and motor are mounted in the housing 36 and are therefore integrally associated with the exercise machine.
- the housing can be folded upwardly to a compact storage position, adjacent the frame, when required.
- the exercise machine is thus a fully self-contained unit and only requires connection to an electrical supply to become operational.
- the same principles could however be employed to provide an exercise machine, which may be one of a plurality of similar machines, which is pressurized from a remotely installed compressor. The pressure in each machine could then be controlled as required by each respective user.
- controls could be foot-operated. However hand-operated, remotely activated, and voice actuated controls could also be used to regulate the pressure in the cylinder.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a resistance assembly 160 , according to a second form of the invention, which can be used in place of the resistance assembly 72 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
- the resistance assembly 160 has a number of similarities to the assembly 72 and consequently, where appropriate, like reference numerals are used to designate like components.
- the assembly 160 is not shown installed in an exercise machine. It can be used in the same way as the assembly 72 , as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , or in any other exercise machine of appropriate design. A similar comment applies to the assembly 72 .
- the piston rod, designated 80 A in the assembly 160 is solid.
- the lower end of the rod, designated 126 A is sealed by means of a plate or plug so that it is airtight.
- the interior of the cylinder 44 is, as before, pressurized by means of a compressor or a gas cylinder.
- the piston head 78 also has notches or cut-outs 120 which ensure that the pressure inside the cylinder on an upper side of the piston head is the same as the pressure on a lower side of the piston head.
- the maximum volume occupied by the pressurized air is slightly less than for the assembly 72 and is equal to the volume of the cylinder.
- the minimum volume is also slightly decreased in that it is equal to the volume of the cylinder minus the volume of the solid or sealed piston rod.
- the resistance assembly 160 offers the same benefits as the resistance assembly 72 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a third resistance assembly 166 which is also equivalent to the assembly 72 .
- the assembly 166 includes a first or outer cylinder 168 and a second cylinder 170 which is positioned inside the cylinder 168 .
- a lower end 172 of the cylinder 170 is open and is supported by a plate 174 in which is formed a plurality of holes 176 .
- An upper end of the cylinder 170 is supported by a plate 180 which is sealingly engaged with the cylinders 168 and 170 and which includes a hole or plug 182 through which a piston rod 184 extends.
- a leading end 186 of the piston rod carries a piston head 188 which is slidingly and sealingly engaged with an inner surface 190 of the second cylinder 170 .
- the resistance assembly 166 can for example be used in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2 although this is by no means limiting for the resistance assembly can be used in an exercise machine of any appropriate design.
- the cylinder 168 and the cylinder 170 are simultaneously pressurized with pressurized air from a suitable compressor or gas cylinder, not shown.
- the piston head 188 performs the same function as the hollow rod 80 in FIG. 2 or the solid rod 80 A in FIG. 4 for as the piston head 188 advances into the cylinder 170 the air in both cylinders is pressurized depending on the total volume of air which is displaced by the advancing piston head.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a reservoir or accumulator 200 which is pressurized with air from an air source 202 eg. a compressor.
- a separate resistance cylinder 204 of relatively small construction is connected to the reservoir via a pipe 205 .
- the cylinder 204 includes a piston rod 206 with a piston head 208 which is mounted for reciprocating and sealing movement inside the cylinder 204 .
- exercise machines which make use of the prior art arrangement shown in FIG. 6 are bulky for they require at least two separate cylinders. If the prior art arrangement is employed in an exercise machine then it is difficult to provide a compact exercise machine which, in an inoperative storage mode, is adapted for easy transport or storage. This specific objective is met by an exercise machine which makes use of a resistance assembly according to the invention.
- the effective cross sectional area of the piston rod determines the volume of air which is displaced when the piston rod is moved into the cylinder.
- the piston rod has a cross sectional area a in its hollow interior and that the cylinder 44 has a cross sectional area A.
- the volume of air which is displaced is given by the expression l ⁇ a.
- the cross sectional area a is substantial less than the cross sectional area A of the cylinder 44 the change in pressure inside the cylinder is relatively small and to a substantial extent the piston moves against a force which does not increase significantly with piston rod movement.
- the cross sectional area of the solid piston rod 80 A is a and when the piston rod is advanced into the cylinder 44 by a distance l the volume of air displaced is a ⁇ l which, again, is substantially less than what would be case if the piston head 78 were large and were sealingly engaged with the cylinder 44 .
- the cross sectional area of the piston 188 is a and, when the piston is advanced by a distance l into the cylinder 170 , the volume of air displaced is given by the expression a ⁇ l.
- the ratio of A to a should be at least 6 but preferably is higher. In this respect a compromise must be struck between the resistance force which is generated (this is a function of the product of a and the air pressure force during a piston stroke.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a resistance assembly for use in an exercise machine.
- Exercise machines make use of diverse devices such as free weights, weight plates, elastic bands, springs and the like to provide a resistance force against which a user can exercise. It has been found that, in many of these machines, the stroke length, which is the distance against which a user moves his arms or legs, as the case may be, against a resistive force, must be reasonably long and this, in turn, means that an exercise machine must also be of substantial dimensions.
- It is preferable to have a substantially constant resistance force, against which a user exercises, over the stroke length. If use is made of a spring or similar component, to provide the resistance force then, as is known, the spring characteristic is such that the resistance force increases more or less linearly with spring deformation. In other words the more the resistance device is moved the greater is the resistance force which acts against movement from the user. This is not necessarily a desirable characteristic.
- If one or more weights are used to provide the resistance force then a substantially constant resistance force is obtained over the stroke length. When a user who is physically strong makes use of the exercise machine then the number of weights which must be provided is substantial and this carries with it a penalty in that the exercise machine is then not necessarily easily transportable and, inevitably, the exercise machine is cumbersome and expensive to ship to a customer.
- Another factor is that the positive resistance force, which is the resistance force displayed by the resistance device when energy is put into an exercise machine by a user, should, as far as is possible, be the same as the negative resistance force which results when energy which is stored in the exercise machine is released, on a return stroke. These forces can only be matched to one another, at least to some extent, if frictional and similar losses are minimised.
- It should be possible, particularly for a device which is intended for a home user, to be able to adjust the resistance force, exhibited by an exercise machine, with relative ease. The exercise machine should, as noted, be compact and light so that it is suited for easy storage and transport. It is also desirable to be able to use the machine in one of at least two modes eg. by working against a resistance force by pulling downwardly on an actuator which may be of any suitable form eg. a handle, a bar, an ankle or wrist cuff, or the like, or by working against a resistance force by pulling upwardly on an actuator. These modes are given merely by way of example for the exercise machine could be constructed to provide the resistance force against other types of movement eg. a pushing or a rotating movement by the user.
- The invention provides a resistance assembly for use in an exercise machine which includes an elongate first cylinder with a first cross sectional area, an interior of the first cylinder, in use, being pressurised with a gas, an elongate member with a first end and a second end, the elongate member extending partly into the interior of the first cylinder with the first end inside the first cylinder and the second end outside the first cylinder, the elongate member being mounted for reciprocating movement, in its longitudinal direction, relatively to the first cylinder, the elongate member upon being moved by a distance t into the interior of the first cylinder displacing a volume of gas which is given by the expression l×a where a is a second cross sectional area which is smaller than the first cross sectional area, and a formation at a location selected from a position on the elongate member which is outside the first cylinder and a position on the first cylinder for connection to an actuator whereby a user can cause movement of the elongate member relatively to the first cylinder.
- The resistance assembly may include apparatus for pressurizing the interior of the first cylinder with a gas.
- In one embodiment the elongate member is tubular with a hollow interior and the first end is open and in communication with the interior of the first cylinder, and the second end is sealed.
- Preferably the cross sectional area of the hollow interior is equal to the second cross sectional area.
- In a second form of the invention the elongate member has a cross sectional area which is equal to the second cross sectional area.
- In this form of the invention the elongate member may be solid or, if tubular, its inner end is sealed.
- The assembly may include a piston head, with inner and outer sides, which is fixed to the first end of the elongate member and which is engageable with an internal surface of the first cylinder and which acts to guide the reciprocating movement of the elongate element and wherein, within the interior of the first cylinder, the pressure of the gas on the inner side of the piston head is the same as the pressure of the gas on the outer side of the piston head.
- The piston head may include at least one formation which allows for free movement of gas, inside the interior of the first cylinder, between the inner side of the piston head and the outer side of the piston head.
- The at least one formation may be a passage in the piston head between the inner side and the outer side thereof.
- In another form of the invention the resistance assembly includes a second cylinder which is located at least partly within the first cylinder and which includes an inner end through which at least part of an interior of the second cylinder is placed in gas communication with the interior of the first cylinder and an outer end, the elongate member extending partly into the second cylinder with the first end of the elongate member inside the second cylinder and the second end of the elongate member extending from the outer end of the second cylinder, the reciprocating movement of the elongate member taking place inside the second cylinder, and a piston head at the first end of the elongate member which is in sealing and reciprocating contact with an opposed inner surface of the second cylinder.
- The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise machine which includes a resistance assembly according to the invention, in a ready-to-use state;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the front of the machine with certain components removed to simplify the illustration;
- FIG. 3 illustrates moving components of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 illustrate a different type of resistance assembly to what is employed in the machine of FIGS.1 to 3;
- FIG. 5 shows another type of resistance assembly, according to the invention, and
- FIG. 6 schematically depicts a prior art type of resistance assembly.
- FIGS.1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrate an exercise machine 10 which uses a resistance assembly according to a first form of the invention.
- The exercise machine includes a
frame 12 to which is attached aseat 16 on which a user can be seated, and abackrest 18 for the back of a user positioned on the seat. For storage and transport purposes theseat 16, which is normally braced by one or more stays 20, can be folded downwardly so that it is substantially parallel to the frame while, in a similar fashion, thebackrest 18 which is braced by one ormore stays 22 can be pivoted towards the frame to take up a compact position. Astructure 24 can be used at an upper end of the frame as a holder for a card which carries information on exercise sequences particularly if the backrest is moved to a compact storage position adjacent the frame. - The frame is supported at an inclined position relatively to the
ground 26 by a downwardly depending U-member 28 which is attached at apivot point 30 tobrackets 32 on a rear side of theframe 12. The U-member 28 can be moved inwardly towards theframe 12 for storage and transport purposes or, as is shown in FIG. 1, can be moved away from the frame to provide a maximum degree of stable support for the frame. - The exercise machine includes a
footpiece 36 at a foot of the frame. The footpiece forms a housing in which are located anelectric motor 38 and an air pump orcompressor 40 which is driven by the motor and which delivers air via aflexible pipe 42 to acylinder 44 which is supported by theframe 12. - An
upper surface 46 of the footpiece housing is serrated or roughened and provides a reactive surface against which feet of a user, positioned on the seat, react. - A flexible electric cord50 extends from the motor to a main electrical supply point, not shown. A
switch 52 on thefootpiece 36 can be actuated by a foot of a user to connect themotor 38 to the main supply or turn the electrical supply off. In this way the operation of themotor 38 can be controlled. Apressure relief valve 60 is connected to thecylinder 44 via a flexible line 62. The pressure relief valve can also be operated by means of a foot of a user. Thus it is possible for the user to turn the compressor on and thereby pressurise thecylinder 44; turn the compressor off; or reduce the pressure inside the cylinder by actuating thevalve 60. - The
cylinder 44 is connected to apiston 70 to make up aresistance assembly 72, according to a first form of the invention, which provides a resistance force for a user. The manner in which this is achieved is described hereinafter. Thecylinder 44 has alower end 74 which is sealed and which is mounted to a lowerwheeled carriage 76. Thepiston 70 has a piston head 78 which is mounted for reciprocating movement inside the cylinder and apiston rod 80 which extends from the head. An upper end of the rod is mounted to an upperwheeled carriage 82. - A first pulley and
cable system 84 is mounted to act on thelower carriage 76 while a second pulley andcable system 86 is mounted to act on theupper carriage 82. Thesystem 84 includes a pair ofhandles cable 90 which passes over a succession ofpulleys 92A to 92E respectively. The pulley 92C is connected to thecarriage 76 by means of acable 98 which passes overpulleys 100A and 100B on the carriage. An end of thecable 98 is attached to ananchor point 102 on theframe 12. - The
system 86 has handles 108A and 108B respectively at a lower side of the frame which are connected to acable 110 which passes over pulleys 112A to 112E respectively. The pulley 112C is connected to thecarriage 82 by means of acable 114 which passes over pulleys 116A and 116B which are mounted to the carriage. An end of the cable is tied to ananchor point 118 on the frame. - It is evident from FIG. 2 that the piston head78 acts only in a guiding capacity within the cylinder. The piston head is formed with a plurality of formations in the form of notches or cut-
outs 120 which define passages through the piston head and consequently the pressure inside the cylinder on one side of the piston head is the same as the pressure on an opposing side of the head. - The
piston rod 80 is tubular with ahollow interior 122. Aplug 124 seals an upper end of therod 80. A lower end of the rod, which is connected to the piston head 78, is open and forms amouth 126 which places the interior of thecylinder 44 in communication with the hollow interior of the rod. - When the exercise machine is to be used the
frame 12 is positioned so that it has the orientation shown in FIG. 1. A user could be seated, kneeling or standing while exercising. Assume the user positions himself on theseat 16 with his back against thebackrest 18. The user activates theswitch 52 with one of his feet and themotor 38 is energised and then drives thecompressor 40. Once the interior of thecylinder 44 has been pressurised to a desired air pressure the motor is turned off. If the pressure inside the cylinder is too high thepressure relief valve 60 is actuated to allow air to escape from the cylinder. It is therefore relatively easy for a user to adjust or control the pressure inside the cylinder using the foot-operatedcontrols - Assume that the user grips the
upper handles arrows 130 in FIG. 3. Due to the pulley andcable system 84 thelower carriage 76 is elevated and the cylinder rises with the piston moving with a telescoping action into the cylinder. A resistance force is generated which tends to act against the aforementioned movement as therod 80 is forced into the cylinder. The effective volume which is occupied by the pressurized air inside the cylinder and thehollow piston rod 80 is reduced depending on the extent to which the rod extends into thecylinder 44. - If the pressure inside the
cylinder 44 is relatively high then a significant force is needed to move therod 80 into the cylinder. However as the volume of the interior of therod 80 is comparatively small compared to the volume of thecylinder 44, the force which is needed to move the rod into the cylinder increases only slightly as the rod extends to a greater extent into the cylinder. In other words over the stroke length represented by the downward movement of thehandles cylinder assembly 72 increases only slightly. - Due to the mechanical advantage of the
system 84 the stroke length of thehandles - During the aforementioned telescoping movement of the
assembly 72 the upper end of the piston rod is supported by thecarriage 82 which in turn is supported by a bracing member orformation 140 on theframe 12. On the other hand when thehandles 108A and 108B are gripped and pulled upwardly, in the direction ofarrows 142, theupper carriage 82 moves downwardly and thelower end 74 of thecylinder 44, which is mounted to thelower carriage 76, is prevented from moving by a support or bracingmember 146 of the frame. - The
handles 108A and 108B exhibit the same relatively long stroke length, compared to the stroke length of the piston into the cylinder, as thehandles - The exercise machine10 has a number of significant benefits. Firstly, it is possible for a user to adjust the pressure inside the
cylinder 44 and this in turn means that the user can adjust the resistance force according to his physical condition even while exercising. The adjustment is done without the user needing to disengage his hands from the handles 88 or 108, as the case may be. Secondly, as noted, the stroke length which results when the handles 88 or 108 are used is four times the stroke length of the piston into the cylinder. This allows for a compact construction of the exercise machine. - Thirdly, the number of pulleys in each of the
systems arrows 130 or when the handles 108 are moved in the direction of the arrows 142) is only slightly greater than the negative resistance force which is the force produced when the air inside thecylinder 44 expands to restore the piston and cylinder assembly to its extended position. - A further benefit, already alluded to, is that the force which is needed to drive the piston rod deeper into the cylinder increases only slightly as the rod extends into the cylinder. This force is a function of the pressure inside the cylinder and if the pressure is sufficiently high the relative increase in the force, as the piston moves into the cylinder, is comparatively low. The extent to which the force increases is a function of the relative volumes of the
cylinder 44 and of the interior of thehollow rod 80. - The exercise machine is lightweight. The resistance force results from the use of a cylinder and piston assembly which is pressurised with air by a user to a chosen, controlled level which is readily adjustable. The need for heavy weights is therefore eliminated. The exercise machine can be folded compactly into a fairly flat arrangement which can, for example, be stored under a bed or behind a door when not required. In this respect it should be observed that the compressor and motor are mounted in the
housing 36 and are therefore integrally associated with the exercise machine. As is indicated by acurved arrow 158 in FIG. 1 the housing can be folded upwardly to a compact storage position, adjacent the frame, when required. The exercise machine is thus a fully self-contained unit and only requires connection to an electrical supply to become operational. The same principles could however be employed to provide an exercise machine, which may be one of a plurality of similar machines, which is pressurized from a remotely installed compressor. The pressure in each machine could then be controlled as required by each respective user. - In each case the controls could be foot-operated. However hand-operated, remotely activated, and voice actuated controls could also be used to regulate the pressure in the cylinder.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a resistance assembly160, according to a second form of the invention, which can be used in place of the
resistance assembly 72 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The resistance assembly 160 has a number of similarities to theassembly 72 and consequently, where appropriate, like reference numerals are used to designate like components. The assembly 160 is not shown installed in an exercise machine. It can be used in the same way as theassembly 72, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, or in any other exercise machine of appropriate design. A similar comment applies to theassembly 72. - The principal difference between the
assembly 72 and the assembly 160 is that the piston rod, designated 80A in the assembly 160, is solid. Alternatively, if the rod is hollow, the lower end of the rod, designated 126A, is sealed by means of a plate or plug so that it is airtight. - The interior of the
cylinder 44 is, as before, pressurized by means of a compressor or a gas cylinder. - The piston head78 also has notches or cut-
outs 120 which ensure that the pressure inside the cylinder on an upper side of the piston head is the same as the pressure on a lower side of the piston head. - When the piston rod is caused to move relatively to the cylinder (with the cylinder stationary) or if the cylinder is caused to reciprocate relatively to the piston rod (with the piston rod stationary) the air inside the cylinder is further pressurized as the rod80A extends to a greater extent into the cylinder while the pressure is slightly reduced as the rod is retracted from the cylinder. The operation is substantially the same as for the
resistance assembly 72 except that for theassembly 72 the maximum volume occupied by the pressurized air is equal to the sum of the volume of the cylinder and of the volume of the interior of the hollow piston rod while the minimum volume is equal to the volume of the cylinder minus the volume of the wall of the piston rod. With the assembly 160 the maximum volume occupied by the pressurized air is slightly less than for theassembly 72 and is equal to the volume of the cylinder. The minimum volume is also slightly decreased in that it is equal to the volume of the cylinder minus the volume of the solid or sealed piston rod. In substance however the resistance assembly 160 offers the same benefits as theresistance assembly 72. - FIG. 5 illustrates a third resistance assembly166 which is also equivalent to the
assembly 72. The assembly 166 includes a first orouter cylinder 168 and asecond cylinder 170 which is positioned inside thecylinder 168. Alower end 172 of thecylinder 170 is open and is supported by aplate 174 in which is formed a plurality ofholes 176. An upper end of thecylinder 170 is supported by aplate 180 which is sealingly engaged with thecylinders piston rod 184 extends. Aleading end 186 of the piston rod carries apiston head 188 which is slidingly and sealingly engaged with aninner surface 190 of thesecond cylinder 170. An outer or upper end 192 of therod 184 is engaged withcarriage structure 82 on an exercise machine (not shown). Similarly a lower end of thecylinder 168 is attached tocarriage structure 76 of the exercise machine. The resistance assembly 166 can for example be used in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2 although this is by no means limiting for the resistance assembly can be used in an exercise machine of any appropriate design. - The
cylinder 168 and thecylinder 170 are simultaneously pressurized with pressurized air from a suitable compressor or gas cylinder, not shown. - The
piston head 188 performs the same function as thehollow rod 80 in FIG. 2 or the solid rod 80A in FIG. 4 for as thepiston head 188 advances into thecylinder 170 the air in both cylinders is pressurized depending on the total volume of air which is displaced by the advancing piston head. - The situation which arises when the resistance assembly of the invention is used should be contrasted with the prior art situation shown schematically in FIG. 6 which illustrates a reservoir or
accumulator 200 which is pressurized with air from anair source 202 eg. a compressor. Aseparate resistance cylinder 204 of relatively small construction is connected to the reservoir via apipe 205. Thecylinder 204 includes apiston rod 206 with apiston head 208 which is mounted for reciprocating and sealing movement inside thecylinder 204. As is evident from prior art documents exercise machines which make use of the prior art arrangement shown in FIG. 6 are bulky for they require at least two separate cylinders. If the prior art arrangement is employed in an exercise machine then it is difficult to provide a compact exercise machine which, in an inoperative storage mode, is adapted for easy transport or storage. This specific objective is met by an exercise machine which makes use of a resistance assembly according to the invention. - With the
resistance assemblies 72 and 160 the effective cross sectional area of the piston rod determines the volume of air which is displaced when the piston rod is moved into the cylinder. Referring to FIG. 2 assume that the piston rod has a cross sectional area a in its hollow interior and that thecylinder 44 has a cross sectional area A. When the rod is moved into the cylinder by a distance l the volume of air which is displaced is given by the expression l×a. As the cross sectional area a is substantial less than the cross sectional area A of thecylinder 44 the change in pressure inside the cylinder is relatively small and to a substantial extent the piston moves against a force which does not increase significantly with piston rod movement. - In the FIG. 4 embodiment the cross sectional area of the solid piston rod80A is a and when the piston rod is advanced into the
cylinder 44 by a distance l the volume of air displaced is a×l which, again, is substantially less than what would be case if the piston head 78 were large and were sealingly engaged with thecylinder 44. - In the FIG. 5 embodiment the cross sectional area of the
piston 188 is a and, when the piston is advanced by a distance l into thecylinder 170, the volume of air displaced is given by the expression a×l. - In all three embodiments if a is substantially less than the cross sectional area A of the
cylinder 44 or the effective cross sectional area of thecylinder 168, as the case may be, then there is only a marginal increase in the resistance force as the piston is moved from a position at which it is fully retracted from the cylinder to a position at which it is fully inserted into the cylinder. Although it is possible with the prior art arrangement shown in FIG. 6 to achieve a similar relatively small variation in air pressure this is at the expense of at least one additional space consuming component. - The ratio of A to a should be at least 6 but preferably is higher. In this respect a compromise must be struck between the resistance force which is generated (this is a function of the product of a and the air pressure force during a piston stroke.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CNA038006774A CN1602219A (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-10-20 | Resistance assembly |
PCT/ZA2003/000156 WO2004062740A1 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-10-20 | Resistance assembly |
AU2003280014A AU2003280014A1 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-10-20 | Resistance assembly |
TW092137652A TWI253947B (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-12-31 | Resistance assebly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA2003/0392 | 2003-01-15 | ||
ZA200300392A ZA200300392B (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-01-15 | Exercise machine. |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040138032A1 true US20040138032A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
Family
ID=30444592
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/611,984 Expired - Fee Related US7226401B2 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-03 | Exercise machine |
US10/611,870 Abandoned US20040138032A1 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-03 | Resistance assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/611,984 Expired - Fee Related US7226401B2 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-03 | Exercise machine |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7226401B2 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200300392B (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040138033A1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-07-15 | Van Straaten Willem Johannes | Exercise machine |
WO2006130480A2 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2006-12-07 | Allen Joseph Thiede | Pneumatic exercise machine |
US20110065554A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US8840075B2 (en) | 2010-01-19 | 2014-09-23 | Icon Ip, Inc. | Door mounted exercise devices and systems |
CN106823248A (en) * | 2017-03-17 | 2017-06-13 | 尤春蕊 | Health and fitness facilities resistance generator |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US20190076691A1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-03-14 | Nautilus, Inc. | Exercise machine having non-matched cable pairing |
US10252109B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2019-04-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10293211B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-05-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10441840B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Collapsible strength exercise machine |
US10449416B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2019-10-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
WO2024029685A1 (en) * | 2022-08-03 | 2024-02-08 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Exercise apparatus, method for measuring and rewarding user's exercise performance and system therefor, and motorized weight training machine control device and method |
Families Citing this family (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7547269B2 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2009-06-16 | Foi Group, Llc | Method and apparatus for physical fitness training |
ITCZ20040001A1 (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2004-04-26 | Salvatore Carbone | GYMNASTIC TOOL FOR TRAINING OF PECTORAL, DELTOID, TRAPEZI AND TRICEPS MUSCLES |
ITRA20050043A1 (en) * | 2005-11-25 | 2007-05-26 | Technogym Spa | GINNICA MACHINE |
US7803094B1 (en) * | 2006-07-13 | 2010-09-28 | Charles H. Bolick | Seating device having exercise functionality |
US7806812B2 (en) * | 2007-05-17 | 2010-10-05 | Product Labs, Inc. | Foldable exercise device |
US20080318744A1 (en) * | 2007-06-22 | 2008-12-25 | Barra Maurizio M | Portable Exercise Unit |
MX2008002263A (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2009-08-17 | Manuel Zavala Riva Palacio | Exercise apparatus. |
US7871359B2 (en) * | 2008-03-06 | 2011-01-18 | Product Labs Inc. | Resistance apparatus for exercise devices |
US7591763B1 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-09-22 | Gymflex Fitness, Llc | Portable convertible multifunction exercise apparatus and method |
CN201719760U (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2011-01-26 | 曾俊明 | Swing arm multifunctional trainer |
US8043199B1 (en) * | 2010-05-06 | 2011-10-25 | Jerry Barker | Exercise machine |
US9259612B2 (en) * | 2014-04-16 | 2016-02-16 | Meister Management, Inc. | Exercise apparatus and methods |
WO2015196158A1 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2015-12-23 | Kennington Brandon | Fitness machine |
US10709924B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2020-07-14 | Flexline Fitness, Inc. | Squat bar for fitness machine |
US10010779B2 (en) * | 2015-10-17 | 2018-07-03 | James Jordan Goldberg | Surfboard paddling exercise apparatus |
USD807445S1 (en) | 2016-08-12 | 2018-01-09 | Nautilus, Inc. | Exercise machine |
US11097148B2 (en) | 2017-07-13 | 2021-08-24 | Flexline Fitness, Inc. | Fitness machine |
US10780307B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2020-09-22 | Lagree Technologies, Inc. | Adjustable resistance exercise machine |
US11771940B2 (en) | 2017-11-28 | 2023-10-03 | Lagree Technologies, Inc. | Adjustable resistance exercise machine |
EP3941596A4 (en) * | 2019-03-20 | 2022-11-23 | Fortuin, Newton Buchanon | Resistance exercise apparatus |
CN115397523A (en) * | 2020-01-16 | 2022-11-25 | 洛伊·敏·萨奇 | Exercise apparatus |
Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2544106A (en) * | 1948-10-01 | 1951-03-06 | Harry S Ray | One person seesaw |
US2865633A (en) * | 1956-07-02 | 1958-12-23 | L G Gildersleeve | Springless pogo stick |
US3359802A (en) * | 1964-05-08 | 1967-12-26 | Carl E Sollenberger | Apparatus for bar-bell type exercises |
US3387843A (en) * | 1964-08-19 | 1968-06-11 | Lloyd E. Chandler | Exercise machine in which the user pushes or pulls against a resisting force produced by a pneumatic cylinder operating in conjunction with compressed air |
US4227689A (en) * | 1978-07-24 | 1980-10-14 | Kintron, Incorporated | Exercising device including linkage for control of muscular exertion required through exercising stroke |
US4257593A (en) * | 1977-12-20 | 1981-03-24 | Keiser Corporation | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4397462A (en) * | 1981-06-26 | 1983-08-09 | Wilmarth Russell F | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4728101A (en) * | 1987-04-06 | 1988-03-01 | King David M | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4801139A (en) * | 1986-10-23 | 1989-01-31 | Henri Vanhoutte | Collapsible, portable, exercise machine with load-regulating hydraulic jack |
US4911438A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1990-03-27 | Verimark (Proprietary) Limited | Exercising machine |
US4951941A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1990-08-28 | William Resk | Portable muscle toner |
US5029850A (en) * | 1989-08-21 | 1991-07-09 | Verimark (Proprietary) Limited | Exercising apparatus |
US5071119A (en) * | 1990-12-03 | 1991-12-10 | Johnson Martin W | Abdominal exercise device |
US5232426A (en) * | 1991-10-24 | 1993-08-03 | Verimark Cc | Exercising machine |
US5312315A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1994-05-17 | Core Outpatient Services | Pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus |
US5403257A (en) * | 1990-02-07 | 1995-04-04 | Tunturipyora Oy | Multi-pull exercise devices |
US5658222A (en) * | 1996-02-28 | 1997-08-19 | Brown; Dennis | Portable personal gym aerobic exercise equipment |
US5709638A (en) * | 1995-11-17 | 1998-01-20 | Fitness Master, Inc. | Wrist joint with rotation for an exercise device |
US5890996A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1999-04-06 | Interactive Performance Monitoring, Inc. | Exerciser and physical performance monitoring system |
US20020025890A1 (en) * | 1995-03-15 | 2002-02-28 | Keiser Corporation | Exercising apparatus |
US20030092537A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-05-15 | Spencer Bruce L. | Pneumatic pogo stick |
US6827673B2 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2004-12-07 | Razor Usa Llc | Collapsible pogo stick |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB650009A (en) | 1947-10-08 | 1951-02-07 | Paul Francois Galleret | Physical culture apparatus |
SE389609B (en) * | 1973-03-12 | 1976-11-15 | Berkestad K E | GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT RESISTANCE DEVICE |
US4183520A (en) * | 1978-03-09 | 1980-01-15 | Chase Daniel F | Exercising device having operably interconnected primary and secondary pivot arms |
US4333645A (en) * | 1979-12-14 | 1982-06-08 | Horng Meei Spring Enterprise Co. Ltd. | Exercising apparatus with gas resistance |
CH668193A5 (en) * | 1986-04-24 | 1988-12-15 | Beat Dreier | PHYSICAL CULTURE APPARATUS. |
US4832335A (en) * | 1987-09-21 | 1989-05-23 | Tong Kun Yuan | Exercise air pump |
US5310394A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1994-05-10 | Demetrios Kallios | Spotter system for weightlifters |
ES2064263B1 (en) | 1993-03-11 | 1998-01-16 | B H Sa | FOLDING MACHINE FOR PHYSICAL EXERCISES. |
US5718659A (en) | 1995-07-14 | 1998-02-17 | Van Straaten; Willem Johannes | Exercising machine |
USD389205S (en) | 1996-07-05 | 1998-01-13 | Van Straaten Willem J | Resistive exerciser |
CN2473371Y (en) | 2001-03-23 | 2002-01-23 | 美尔顿国际有限责任公司 | Barometric cylinder |
ZA200300392B (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2003-09-23 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine. |
AU2003280013A1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-08-10 | Greenhouse International Llc | Exercise machine |
AU2003280014A1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-08-10 | Greenhouse International Llc | Resistance assembly |
AU2003215038A1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-08-10 | Michael Roydon Puzey | Exercise machine |
-
2003
- 2003-01-15 ZA ZA200300392A patent/ZA200300392B/en unknown
- 2003-07-03 US US10/611,984 patent/US7226401B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-07-03 US US10/611,870 patent/US20040138032A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2544106A (en) * | 1948-10-01 | 1951-03-06 | Harry S Ray | One person seesaw |
US2865633A (en) * | 1956-07-02 | 1958-12-23 | L G Gildersleeve | Springless pogo stick |
US3359802A (en) * | 1964-05-08 | 1967-12-26 | Carl E Sollenberger | Apparatus for bar-bell type exercises |
US3387843A (en) * | 1964-08-19 | 1968-06-11 | Lloyd E. Chandler | Exercise machine in which the user pushes or pulls against a resisting force produced by a pneumatic cylinder operating in conjunction with compressed air |
US4257593A (en) * | 1977-12-20 | 1981-03-24 | Keiser Corporation | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4227689A (en) * | 1978-07-24 | 1980-10-14 | Kintron, Incorporated | Exercising device including linkage for control of muscular exertion required through exercising stroke |
US4397462A (en) * | 1981-06-26 | 1983-08-09 | Wilmarth Russell F | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4911438A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1990-03-27 | Verimark (Proprietary) Limited | Exercising machine |
US4801139A (en) * | 1986-10-23 | 1989-01-31 | Henri Vanhoutte | Collapsible, portable, exercise machine with load-regulating hydraulic jack |
US4728101A (en) * | 1987-04-06 | 1988-03-01 | King David M | Pneumatic exercising device |
US4951941A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1990-08-28 | William Resk | Portable muscle toner |
US5029850A (en) * | 1989-08-21 | 1991-07-09 | Verimark (Proprietary) Limited | Exercising apparatus |
US5403257A (en) * | 1990-02-07 | 1995-04-04 | Tunturipyora Oy | Multi-pull exercise devices |
US5071119A (en) * | 1990-12-03 | 1991-12-10 | Johnson Martin W | Abdominal exercise device |
US5312315A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1994-05-17 | Core Outpatient Services | Pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus |
US5232426A (en) * | 1991-10-24 | 1993-08-03 | Verimark Cc | Exercising machine |
US20020025890A1 (en) * | 1995-03-15 | 2002-02-28 | Keiser Corporation | Exercising apparatus |
US5709638A (en) * | 1995-11-17 | 1998-01-20 | Fitness Master, Inc. | Wrist joint with rotation for an exercise device |
US5658222A (en) * | 1996-02-28 | 1997-08-19 | Brown; Dennis | Portable personal gym aerobic exercise equipment |
US5890996A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1999-04-06 | Interactive Performance Monitoring, Inc. | Exerciser and physical performance monitoring system |
US6375598B1 (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 2002-04-23 | Interactive Performance Monitoring, Inc. | Exerciser and physical performance monitoring system |
US6827673B2 (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2004-12-07 | Razor Usa Llc | Collapsible pogo stick |
US20030092537A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-05-15 | Spencer Bruce L. | Pneumatic pogo stick |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7226401B2 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2007-06-05 | Greenhouse International Llc | Exercise machine |
US20040138033A1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2004-07-15 | Van Straaten Willem Johannes | Exercise machine |
WO2006130480A2 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2006-12-07 | Allen Joseph Thiede | Pneumatic exercise machine |
WO2006130480A3 (en) * | 2005-05-31 | 2007-01-18 | Allen Joseph Thiede | Pneumatic exercise machine |
US20110065554A1 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US8241190B2 (en) * | 2009-09-14 | 2012-08-14 | Willem Johannes Van Straaten | Exercise machine |
US8840075B2 (en) | 2010-01-19 | 2014-09-23 | Icon Ip, Inc. | Door mounted exercise devices and systems |
US10279212B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-07 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength training apparatus with flywheel and related methods |
US10188890B2 (en) | 2013-12-26 | 2019-01-29 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Magnetic resistance mechanism in a cable machine |
US10426989B2 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2019-10-01 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Cable system incorporated into a treadmill |
US10449416B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2019-10-22 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US10940360B2 (en) | 2015-08-26 | 2021-03-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Strength exercise mechanisms |
US20190076691A1 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-03-14 | Nautilus, Inc. | Exercise machine having non-matched cable pairing |
US10953267B2 (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2021-03-23 | Nautilus, Inc. | Exercise machine having non-matched cable pairing |
US10293211B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-05-21 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Coordinated weight selection |
US10441840B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2019-10-15 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Collapsible strength exercise machine |
US10252109B2 (en) | 2016-05-13 | 2019-04-09 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Weight platform treadmill |
US10661114B2 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-05-26 | Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. | Body weight lift mechanism on treadmill |
CN106823248A (en) * | 2017-03-17 | 2017-06-13 | 尤春蕊 | Health and fitness facilities resistance generator |
WO2024029685A1 (en) * | 2022-08-03 | 2024-02-08 | 엘지이노텍 주식회사 | Exercise apparatus, method for measuring and rewarding user's exercise performance and system therefor, and motorized weight training machine control device and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7226401B2 (en) | 2007-06-05 |
US20040138033A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
ZA200300392B (en) | 2003-09-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20040138032A1 (en) | Resistance assembly | |
US6733426B2 (en) | Leg stretching device | |
US10398932B2 (en) | Treadmill including a lift assistance mechanism | |
US4880230A (en) | Pneumatic exercise device | |
US3387843A (en) | Exercise machine in which the user pushes or pulls against a resisting force produced by a pneumatic cylinder operating in conjunction with compressed air | |
USRE40875E1 (en) | Controllable load apparatus | |
EP3035902B1 (en) | Piston-based chest compression device with belt drive | |
CA2170720A1 (en) | Exercising apparatus | |
US6346065B1 (en) | Jumping device having a flexible tether and method of using the jumping device | |
US5947706A (en) | Hand operated floor pump with retractable stand | |
WO2004062740A1 (en) | Resistance assembly | |
US6024678A (en) | Vacuum cleaner leg exercise device | |
WO2004062743A1 (en) | Exercise machine | |
US20020086778A1 (en) | Exercising apparatus | |
US6619634B2 (en) | Self-chargeable pneumatic cylinder | |
US20220184445A1 (en) | Resistance exercise apparatus | |
US7175161B2 (en) | Power carpet kicker | |
WO2004062741A1 (en) | Exercise machine | |
US5336066A (en) | Balloon pump | |
EP1243809A2 (en) | Self-chargeable pneumatic cylinder | |
US20050059531A1 (en) | Adjustable and portable handheld exerciser | |
US7758022B1 (en) | Pneumatic carpet stretcher | |
GB2429412A (en) | Gas strut with adjustable resistance | |
WO2006130480A2 (en) | Pneumatic exercise machine | |
CA2092759A1 (en) | Hand pump water gun with remote water source |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GREENHOUSE INTERNATIONAL LLC, MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VAN STRAATEN, WILLEM JOHANNES;PUZEY, MICHAEL ROYDON;REEL/FRAME:014237/0379 Effective date: 20031208 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FEDERAL REALTY, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:GREENHOUSE INTERNATIONAL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:015385/0962 Effective date: 20040429 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THANE DIRECT COMPANY, CANADA Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:GREENHOUSE INTERNATIONAL, LLC;MARKETING DYNAMICS, INC.;RUB THERAPEUTICS, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017109/0522 Effective date: 20051202 Owner name: MARKETING DYNAMICS, INC., DELAWARE Free format text: DISTRIBUTION AND LICENSE AGREEMENT & FIRST ADDENDUM;ASSIGNOR:INVENTEC C.C.;REEL/FRAME:017270/0831 Effective date: 20030720 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |