US20110251020A1

US20110251020A1 - Resistance training device and method

Info

Publication number: US20110251020A1
Application number: US13/082,117
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark A. Caragio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-13
Filing date: 2011-04-07
Publication date: 2011-10-13
Also published as: WO2011130175A1

Abstract

Devices, methods and systems for strength training directed at improving a bicyclist's performance. The training device includes a cycle frame, a seat and a set of handlebars and a crank arm assembly attached to the frame. The training device also includes a means for selecting an amount of resistance to rotational motion of the crank arm assembly. In use, a user advances the pedals and crank arms by pedaling against the selected resistance through a selected training arc, then returns the crank arms to the starting position, against negative resistance, and repeats the extension/retraction motion according to the strengthening protocol in use. The user then selects a second training arc and repeats the sequence of rotation against resistance and counter-rotation against negative resistance.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of a prior-filed Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/323,825 entitled Training Cycle and Method, filed Apr. 13, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to athletic training devices and more particularly to a weight training device that is adapted specifically for strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist.
2. Background
Exercise bicycles or cycling training devices in general are well known. To the extent that the prior art has addressed the training needs of the cyclist, however, those devices and methods are directed primarily to the cardiovascular and endurance demands of the sport, while overlooking the benefits that may be realized by the cyclist through strength training directed specifically at strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist.
The prior art teaches a variety of exercise devices including pedal configurations that offer resistance to rotation in either direction. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,318 to Heyn, U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,940 to Schneider, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,535 to Twardokens and U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,249 to Raley. While resistance and weight training devices have been designed for specific sports that involves a repeated complex leg movement, (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,460 to Miller, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,372 to McCormack), to date there have been none that have been directed specifically at strengthening those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist.
FIG. 1 depicts a cycle training device according to the prior art that focuses solely on the cardiovascular aspects of training for a competitive cyclist. Consistent with the teaching of the prior art, FIG. 1 shows a training cycle wherein pedaling against a selected resistance occurs in a forward rotation FR and the resistance to rotation RTR resists said forward rotation of the pedals.
Therefore, advantage may be found in providing a weight training device and method that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist. Additional advantage may be found in providing a weight training device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups in isolation, with the same patterns of muscle action and joint angles, and utilized by the bicyclist while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and muscular movements that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions.
Therefore one object of the present invention is to provide a weight training device and method that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist according to well accepted principles of exercise physiology, and particularly a device that enables isolated strength training for both the downstroke and upstroke muscle groups pertaining to both the left and right-side movements, and with resistance applied to both the concentric and eccentric muscle actions of each exercise. Another object of the present invention is to provide a weight training device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups utilized by the bicyclist with the same muscle movement patterns, degrees of muscle contraction, and joint angles of coordinated multi-joint movements (termed “specificity” by exercise physiologists), and while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and bodily geometry that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions including both sitting and standing positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device and method for resistance and strength training that specifically addresses the strength training need of the bicyclist. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device and method that allows the bicyclist to strength train those muscles and muscle groups, in isolation, utilized by the bicyclist while the cyclist assumes a position on the training device that mimics the position and bodily geometry that the cyclist assumes relative to the bicycle during actual riding conditions. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a device and method to perform movements in a semi-circular, forward and reverse motion, with uninterrupted positive and negative resistance present throughout the movement.
In one embodiment, a cycle frame assembly is mounted in a stationary fixed position. Fixed to the frame are a seat and a set of handlebars, preferably having a configuration including dimensions, frame angles and seating position that is similar to those that the user employs on a bicycle that the rider typically uses for actual riding, for instance a road, track, cyclocross, time trial, or mountain bicycle. The objective is to provide a bicycle-like frame that supports the user in a cycling position for any of the known cycling disciplines, including the standard road/track/cyclocross position, the time trial position, and the mountain biking position. In a preferred embodiment, the frame offers adjustability for seat height and forward-back positioning, and for handlebar height and forward-back positioning to accommodate a variety of riders exhibiting a variety of physical statures and sizes.
The cycle frame of the present invention also includes a crank arm assembly similar to that of the typical bicycle in that it includes a pair of crank arms each offset from the other by one-hundred and eighty degrees of rotation, with each of the crank arms including an attached pedal. The device is further adapted so that the user may alternately position either crank arm at start of rotation point, thereby enabling isolated downstroke and upstroke strengthening exercises for both the left and right legs of the user. In one embodiment the crank arm includes a chain ring similar to that of a bicycle. Alternately and in lieu of a chain ring, the crank arm assembly may include a pulley or wheel attached for rotation with the crank arms.
Strength training that is specific to various cycling sports may be accomplished according to the method of the present invention in the following manner. A user advances the pedals and crank arms by pedaling against the selected resistance until the crank arms reaches a desired limit of rotation, then returns the crank arm to the starting position, against negative resistance, and repeats the extension/retraction motion according to the strengthening protocol in use.
In alternate embodiments of the invention, resistance to rotation and counter-rotation may be produced hydraulically, fluidly, by mechanical friction, electro-magnetically, electrically, pneumatically and other such means or devices.
In other alternate embodiments of the invention, the chain ring, wheel or pulley of the chain ring assembly may be configured as an elliptical chain ring, wheel or pulley. Additionally, the position of the primary axis of the ellipses may be varied with respect to the crank arm positions. Similarly, the device may include a feature wherein the crank arms may be changed for longer or shorter crank arms depending on a rider's preference.
Alternately the device may include a controller such that the device may be programmable such that resistance levels throughout the semi-circular rotation and counter rotation may be varied to simulate the use of elliptical chain rings, or other such means of enabling varying resistance throughout the motion.
The apparatus can be configured to provide both positive resistance to forward rotation and negative resistance to counter rotation or alternately positive resistance only, for instance resistance to forward rotation or in the alternative, just a negative resistance, or resistance to counter rotation.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, and to offer versatility in a single training device, the training cycle of the present invention may be adapted to be switchable between a strength training mode and an aerobic training mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cycle training device according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a representative side view of a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a representative side view of a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a representative top view of a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a representative side view of a drive assembly and a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a representative cutaway view of a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a representative side view of a sprag clutch for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a representative side view of a drive assembly and a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a representative cutaway view of a freewheel assembly for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a representative side view of a sprag clutch for a cycle training device according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a representative flow diagram for a method of training according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 2, training device 110 includes cycle frame 111 including handlebars 112 and saddle 114 attached to an adjustable seat post 115. Training device 110 also includes power assembly 120 including a pair of pedals 124 attached to a pair of crank arms 123 which in turn are connected to crank sprocket 121. Flexible continuous drive member 125 operatively connects crank sprocket 121 to drive sprocket 126. Resistance system 140 is configured to provide resistance R to forward rotation FR of crank arms 123 as well as negative resistance NR to the reverse rotation RR crank arms 123. Drive controls 145 provides control requires to permit training device 110 to operate as a strength training device according to the teachings of the present invention as well as an aerobic training device as is common in the prior art. According to the present invention, resistance R to forward rotation FR and negative resistance NR to counter or reverse-rotation RR may be produced hydraulically, fluidly, by mechanical friction, or other mechanical means, electro-magnetically, electrically, pneumatically and other such means or devices. Drive controls 145 also provides the capability to permit operation of power assembly 120 in a freewheeling manner to permit re-positioning of the pair of crank arms 123 to a desired angular starting position without resistance to such movement.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show training device 10 including cycle frame 11 and resistance system 40 both attached to training system frame 50. Cycle frame 11 is not unlike those employed commonly for aerobic training, to the extent that it includes handlebars 12 that are adjustable up and down and fixable in a selected position employing stem positioner 13. Seat post 15 slideably engages downtube 19 and a height of saddle 14 is vertically adjustable and fixable in a selected position employing seat post adjuster 16. Saddle 14 is adjustable forward and backward and fixable in a selected position with horizontal saddle positioner 17.
Training device 10 also includes power assembly 20 including a pair of crank arms 23A and 23B attached to crank sprocket 21. Pedals 24A and 24B are attached to the pair of crank arms 23A and 23B respectively. Chain 25 operatively connects chain sprocket 21 to freewheel assembly 30. Freewheel assembly 30 includes pulley wheel 31.
Resistance system 40 includes weight frame 45 that provides the necessary structural support for weight stack 42 that is connected to weight frame 45. Weight stack 42 is not unlike those seen commonly employed in weight training devices known to those skilled in the art. Weight stack 42 includes a plurality of individual weights stacked one atop another, each slideably engaging a pair of guide rails 41. Lift bar 43 is formed having one or more apertures formed through its cross-section perpendicular to its primary axis as is also well known to those skilled in the art. Lift bar 43 inserts through an aperture formed on a vertical axis through a cross-section of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack 42 as is also well known to those skilled in the art. Each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack 42 also include an aperture formed on a substantially horizontal axis, again as is known in the art. Lift bar 43 includes a plurality of apertures formed along its length such that each aperture aligns with one of the apertures formed on the substantially horizontal axis of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack 42. An amount of weight that is to act as the force resisting rotation and which is to provide negative resistance NR to counter or reverse rotation of crank arms 23A and 23B is selectable by inserting pin 47 through a particular weight and a corresponding aperture formed on the substantially horizontal axis of each of the plurality of individual weights comprising weight stack 42.
Cable 44 attaches at a first end to lift bar 43 and passes through a series of pulleys 46A-46F before attaching at as second end to pulley wheel 31. The second end of cable 44 is fixed to pulley wheel 31 by end clamp 48 such that as pulley wheel 31 is rotated by movement of crank arms 23A and 23B and the attached crank sprocket 21 and chain 25, a force equal to that portion of weight stack 42 that has been selected resists angular movement of pulley wheel 31, the attached chain 25 and thereby crank sprocket 21 and the attached crank arms 23A and 23B.
FIGS. 5 and 8 show power assembly 20 including a pair of crank arms 23A and 23B attached to crank sprocket 21. Pedals 24A and 24B are attached to the pair of crank arms 23A and 23B respectively. Freewheel assembly includes sprocket 26 attached to pulley wheel 31. Chain 25 operatively connects chain sprocket 21 to sprocket 26 of freewheel assembly 30. Cable 44 is shown engaging pulley wheel 31 and is attached to pulley wheel 31 by end clamp 47. Due to the stresses encountered in the weight training routines that may be practiced with the present invention, the components of power assembly, particularly crank arms 23A and 23B, crank sprocket 21 and chain 25 and sprocket 26 of the freewheel assembly 30 are of substantially greater substance than typical bicycle components.
As shown in FIG. 5 upon forward rotation FR of pedals 24A and 24B and their respective attached crank arms 23A and 23B, depicted here in the clockwise direction designated as crank arm rotation CAR, causes a consequential forward rotation FR of crank sprocket 21 and thereby chain 25 and the operatively connected drive sprocket 26, designated as sprocket rotation SR resulting in forward rotation of pulley wheel 31 designated as pulley rotation PR. As pulley wheel 31 rotates, cable 44 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is drawn about a circumference defined by pulley wheel 31, said pulley rotation PR being resisted by resistance R equal to a weight selected as described in reference to FIG. 3. Once pedals 24A and 24B and their respective attached crank arms 23A and 23B have reached the bottom of training arc BTA, a controlled reverse rotation RR of crank arms 23A and 23B is initiated causing a consequential counter rotation of crank sprocket 21 and thereby chain 25 and the operatively connected drive sprocket 26, designated as sprocket counter rotation SCR resulting in counter rotation of pulley wheel 31 designated as pulley counter rotation PCR.
FIGS. 6 and 9 show a cutaway view of freewheel assembly 30 including drive sprocket 26 attached to pulley wheel 31 by sprag clutch assembly 35. Drive sprocket 26, pulley wheel 31 and sprag clutch assembly 35 are connected to one another by bolt 34. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and 10 sprag clutch assembly 35 includes a plurality of sprags 38 disposed between inner race 36 and outer race 37. Sprag clutch assembly 35 serves as a freewheel device, and in this case inner race 36 operates as an input member and outer race 37 serves as an output member. Sprag clutch assembly 35 is employed in the preferred embodiment as generally speaking a sprag clutch is capable to transmitting greater torque, for a given overall dimension of the clutch than other types of freewheel devices.
When sprocket rotation SR occurs at sprocket 26 as shown in FIG. 5, inner race 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction designated as inner race rotation IRR as seen in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, a configuration of each of the sprags 38 is such that each of the sprags 38 wedge between inner race 36 and outer race 37 against a biasing force of spring 39 transferring the torque of inner race rotation IRR to outer race 37 providing outer race rotation ORR, which in turn provides pulley rotation PR of the attached pulley wheel 31, (shown in FIG. 5). Once sprags 38 engage both inner race 36 and outer race 37 and rotation of pulley wheel 31 is initiated, the plurality of sprags remain wedged between inner race 36 and outer race 37 due to the force of resistance R, (shown in FIG. 5) against pulley wheel 31 and outer race 37. This feature allows the user to sequentially rotate crank arms 23A and 23B through training arc TA, shown in FIG. 5, against resistance R and then counter or reverse rotate RR crank arms 23A and 23B through training arc TA in a controlled manner so as to not allow negative resistance NR to accelerate the speed of crank arms 23A and 23B during reverse rotation.
Referring to FIG. 8, when a user desires to change an angular orientation of crank arms 23A and 23B so that alternate muscle groups may be isolated and subjected to resistance training, pedals 24A and 24B with their respective attached crank arms 23A and 23B are counter-rotated, designated as crank arm counter-rotation CACR, to the desired position. Counter-rotation of rank arms 23A and 23B causes a consequential counter-clockwise rotation of crank sprocket 21 and thereby chain 25 and the operatively connected sprocket 26, designated as sprocket counter-rotation SCR.
As seen in FIG. 10, as sprocket counter-rotation SCR occurs at sprocket 26, inner race 36 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction designated as inner race counter-rotation IRCR. As counter-rotation of inner race 36 occurs a biasing force of spring 39 and a configuration of each of the sprags 38 is such that gap G is observed between each of the plurality of sprags 38 and outer race 37 such that sprocket 26 counter rotates in a “freewheeling” manner without engaging outer race 37 or pulley wheel 31, shown in FIG. 9.
In one study employing the device and methods of the present invention, performance of a group of female and male competitive cyclists and tri-athletes were tested. The subjects completed pre and post repeated Wingate anaerobic power tests with a two minute recovery between, a lactate/ventilatory threshold test, initially one-hundred and fifty watts at eighty revolutions per minute with the workload increasing by twenty-five watts at two minute intervals until volitional fatigue, and a race simulation with repeated anaerobic sprints of thirty minutes at ninety percent of ventilatory threshold. Subjects continued their usual aerobic training and used the strength training device twice a week for six weeks.
Among other things, the results of testing demonstrated the following:

- 1. Peak power increased by approximately sixteen percent in the training group, while the control group experienced a decrease in this measure.
- 2. Anaerobic capacity improved by approximately fifteen percent in the training group, while the control group experienced a decrease.
- 3. Muscular endurance volume improved by approximately forty-five percent in the downstroke and approximately forty-eight percent in the upstroke in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.
- 4. Muscular strength increased by approximately eleven percent in the downstroke and approximately fifteen percent in the upstroke in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.
- 5. Total work in repeated sprints increased by approximately twenty-one percent in the training group, while the control group experienced no change.

FIG. 11 shows the steps of a METHOD FOR CYCLE STRENGTH TRAINING 200 that includes the steps of SELECTING A RESISTANCE FORCE TO A ROTATION OF THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AND A NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE TO A COUNTER-ROTATION OF THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS 201, SELECTING A FIRST TRAINING ARC DEFINED BY A NUMBER OF DEGREES OF ROTATION THAT THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS WILL BE ROTATED AGAINST THE RESISTANCE FORCE AND COUNTER-ROTATED AGAINST THE NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE 202, ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS THROUGH THE TRAINING ARC AGAINST THE RESISTANCE FORCE 203, COUNTER-ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS THROUGH THE TRAINING ARC WHILE CONTROLLING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AGAINST ACCELERATION BY THE NEGATIVE RESISTANCE FORCE 204, and COUNTER-ROTATING THE OFFSET CRANK ARMS AGAINST A FREEWHEEL MECHANISM TO SELECT A SECOND TRAINING ARC 205.
While this invention has been described with reference to the described embodiments, this is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications to the described embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A resistance training device comprising:

a cycle frame including a frame, a seat connected to the frame and a set of handlebars connected to the frame;

a power system including a crank arm assembly attached to the frame, the crank arm assembly including a pair of offset crank arms, the crank arm assembly adapted for rotation with respect to the frame; and

a resistance system operatively connected to the to the power system, the resistance system including means for selecting a resistance force to a rotation of the crank arm assembly and a negative resistance force to a counter rotation of the crank arm assembly.

2. The resistance training device of claim 1 further comprising a freewheel assembly operatively connected between the power system and the resistance system, the freewheel assembly configured to permit forward rotation of the crank arm assembly against the selected resistance force, the freewheel assembly further configured to permit counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly in a manner that controls acceleration of the crank arm assembly responsive to the selected negative resistance force, and the freewheel assembly further configured to permit counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly in a freewheel mode when the resistance force and the negative resistance force both equal substantially zero.

3. The resistance training device of claim 1 wherein the power system further comprises:

a pair of pedals, each of the pair of pedals attached to one of the pair of crank arms;

a crank sprocket rotatably mounted to the frame, the crank sprocket rotatable by the pair of crank arms;

a sprocket rotatably mounted to freewheel assembly; and

a flexible continuous drive member connected between and rotatable with the crank sprocket and the sprocket.

4. The resistance training device of claim 2 wherein the freewheel assembly further comprises a sprag clutch connected between the sprocket and the resistance system.

5. The resistance training device of claim 3 wherein the flexible continuous drive member further comprises a chain.

6. The resistance training device of claim 1 wherein the cycle frame further comprises a cycle frame selected from a group of cycle frames including cycle frames having the dimensions and frame angles of a road racing bicycle, a track bicycle, a cyclocross bicycle, a time trial bicycle and a mountain bicycle.

7. The resistance training device of claim 1 wherein the resistance system further comprises a weight stack operatively connected to the to the power system, the weight stack including means for selecting a weight to resist the rotation of the crank arm assembly said weight also providing the negative resistance to the counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly.

8. The resistance training device of claim 1 wherein the resistance system further comprises a resistance system selected from a group of resistance systems including a mechanical resistance system, an electrical resistance system, an electro-magnetic resistance system, a hydraulic resistance system and a pneumatic resistance system.

9. A resistance training device comprising:

a power system including a pair of offset crank arms rotatably mounted to the frame, a pair of pedals, each of the pair of pedals attached to one of the pair of crank arms, a crank sprocket attached to and rotatable by the pair of crank arms, the power system further comprising a sprocket rotatably mounted to the frame, the power system further comprising a flexible continuous drive member connected between and rotatable with the crank sprocket and the sprocket;

a resistance system operatively connected to the to the power system, the resistance system including means for selecting a resistance force to a rotation of the crank arm assembly and a negative resistance force to a counter rotation of the crank arm assembly; and

a freewheel assembly operatively connected between the power system and the resistance system, the freewheel assembly configured to permit forward rotation of the crank arm assembly against the selected resistance force, the freewheel assembly further configured to permit counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly in a manner that controls acceleration of the crank arm assembly responsive to the selected negative resistance force, and the freewheel assembly further configured to permit counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly in a freewheel mode when the selected resistance force and the selected negative resistance force equal substantially zero.

10. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the freewheel assembly further comprises a sprag clutch connected between the sprocket and the resistance system.

11. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the flexible continuous drive member further comprises a chain.

12. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the resistance system further comprises a weight stack operatively connected to the to the power system, the weight stack including means for selecting a desired weight to resist rotation of the crank arm assembly.

13. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the cycle frame further comprises a cycle frame selected from a group of cycle frames including cycle frames having the dimensions and frame angles of a road racing bicycle, a track bicycle, a cyclocross bicycle, a time trial bicycle and a mountain bicycle.

14. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the resistance system further comprises a weight stack operatively connected to the to the power system, the weight stack including means for selecting a weight to resist the rotation of the crank arm assembly said weight also providing the negative resistance to the counter-rotation of the crank arm assembly.

15. The resistance training device of claim 9 wherein the resistance system further comprises a resistance system selected from a group of resistance systems including a mechanical resistance system, an electrical resistance system, an electro-magnetic resistance system, a hydraulic resistance system and a pneumatic resistance system.

16. A method for cycle strength training that employs a strength training device including a cycle frame assembly having a frame, a seat and a set of handlebars and a crank arm assembly attached to the frame, the crank arm assembly including a pair of offset crank arms, the crank arm assembly adapted for rotation with respect to the frame, means for selectively increasing or decreasing a force for resisting a rotational motion of the crank arm assembly, the strength training method including the steps of:

selecting a resistance force to a rotation of the offset crank arms and a negative resistance force to a counter-rotation of the offset crank arms;

selecting a first training arc defined by a number of degrees of rotation that the offset crank arms will be rotated against the resistance force and counter-rotated against the negative resistance force;

rotating the offset crank arms through the training arc against the resistance force; and

counter-rotating the offset crank arms through the training arc while controlling the offset crank arms against acceleration by the negative resistance force.

17. The method for cycle strength training of claim 16 further comprising counter-rotating the offset crank arms to select a second training arc.

18. The method for cycle strength training of claim 16 further comprising counter-rotating the offset crank arms against a freewheel mechanism to select a second training arc.

19. The method for cycle strength training of claim 16 wherein the training arc is less than or equal to one-hundred and eighty degrees of rotation.