The current invention is an improved exercise apparatus and method, more specifically an improved exercise device with a dual cam to permit effective exercise of any muscle group that crosses more than one joint such as the biceps, triceps, quadriceps, and hamstring. The current invention is not limited to these muscle groups only.
In the human body there are a small number of muscles that cross two joints. These muscles, in combination with supporting muscles, are capable of moving both joints simultaneously. All existing exercise equipment is designed to exercise a muscle involving only one joint of the body. This does not work the muscle over the full range of motion and is thus not optimal to stimulate full muscle growth, rehabilitation or conditioning.
These muscle groups include but are not limited to; the biceps group of the upper arm, the triceps group of the upper arm, the quadriceps group of the upper leg, and the hamstring (or biceps femoris) group of the upper leg. The full range of motion and exertion of these unique muscles move two joints as they work through their full range of contraction. The biceps and triceps groups move both the elbow and shoulder joints. The quadriceps and hamstring groups move the knee and hip joints.
To properly work these muscles, the muscles must have resistance through their entire range of motion from full extension of both joints to full flexion of both joints.
The current invention is an apparatus to permit such a range of resistance exercise.
It is the purpose of this invention to provide a method and device to exercise the groups of muscles that cross more than one joint thereby achieving a superior extension, contraction and overall workout.
The primary muscle groups to be worked with the current invention are biceps of the upper arm, triceps of the upper arm, quadriceps of the upper leg and the hamstrings of the upper leg. The device is not limited to these uses.
The device of the current invention may be adapted to many different uses and exercise machines.
This invention can be incorporated into any of a family of machines that will place the user in a position such that the desired body part is placed in full muscle extension. By engaging the device, the targeted muscle will be guided through the full range of motion from full extension to full contraction while under resistance.
One purpose of the device is to move two joints of the same limb through their full range of motion while under resistance, such that a secondary cam will move around a fixed primary cam.
FIG. 2(1) is a side view illustrating the direct contact tracking of a secondary gear or cam around a primary gear or cam.
FIG. 2(2) is a side view illustrating the indirect tracking of a secondary gear or cam around a primary gear or cam.
FIG. 3(1) is a side view illustrating one method of changing the vector and direction of resistance applied to the secondary cam or gear by the attachment of a resistance line.
FIG. 3(2) is a side view illustrating another method of changing the vector and direction of resistance applied to the secondary cam or gear by the attachment of a resistance line.
FIG. 4(1) is a side view showing one embodiment of the current invention for exercising biceps.
FIG. 4(2) is a side view showing one embodiment of the current invention for exercising triceps.
FIG. 4(3) is a side view showing one embodiment of the current invention for exercising quadriceps.
FIG. 4(4) is a side view showing one embodiment of the current invention for exercising hamstrings.
The current invention is not limited to this or any other stated embodiment. These are merely demonstrations of its possible uses.
One aspect of the current invention is the ability to be incorporate a dual cam assembly into various types and models of exercise equipment. The dual cam assembly provides a method for exercising limbs through a fill range of motion. The current invention may be used in any exercise motion that requires or is aided by a concentric or eccentric arc in its range of motion.
The term “cam” is used in this specification and claims to refer to a cam or gear of any shape with or without teeth or other self interlocking features.
The term “cam connection” means used in this specification and claims refers to a belt, chain, or other technique for directly or indirectly rotating the secondary cam around a portion of the periphery of the primary cam. Typically, a line of resistance acts on either the primary cam or the secondary cam, and the cam connection means transfers at least a portion of that resistance to the other cam. In the case of gears, the cam connection means is mated gear teeth between the primary gear and the secondary gear.
The term “muscle” or “muscle group” refers to a muscle group which crosses two joints. Examples include but are not limited to the bicep group, the tricep group, the quadriceps group, and the hamstring group.
In this example, the primary or proximal pivot point 2 is stationary and secured to the frame of an exercise machine 1. In this example, the pivot point comprises a cam 2. In other examples, the pivot point may be a gear, wheel, off center cam, or other mechanism which permits a pivoting action. The user will align his or her body so that the proximal joint of the desired body part is in alignment with the primary pivot point of the machine 2. The secondary pivot point/fulcrum 11 will be at a distance approximately equal to the distal joint of the users desired body part. The secondary or distal pivot point or fulcrum 11 will be interlocked with the primary pivot in such away as to be interlocked but when rotated it will move around the primary pivot point.
In this example, the secondary or distal pivot point comprises a cam 11. In other examples, the secondary or distal pivot point may be a gear, wheel, off center cam, or other mechanism which permits a pivoting action and permits travel with respect to the first pivot point. The primary and secondary pivot points are held together at a consistent distance by a connecting arm 6.
A first shaft 4 connects the proximal pivot gear, cam, ext 2, to the proximal end of the connecting arm 6. The shaft 4 rotates within the fixed proximal gear 2 via a bearing 3 and is fixed to the proximal end of the connecting arm 6 via a weld, screw, bolt or any other attachment means 5.
A second shaft 12 connects the secondary gear, cam, ext. 11, to the connecting arm 6. The second shaft 12 is secured to the secondary cam, gear, ext 11 via a weld or any apparent method 15 in such a way that when the secondary shaft 12 is rotated the secondary cam, gear, ext 11 must move together. The shaft 2 passing through the distal end of the connecting arm 6 will be able to rotate within the arm via a bearing or any other apparent method 14. The end or ends of the secondary shaft 12 will be fixed to a user contact arm, lever, contact plate, ext 16 via a weld or any other apparent method 15.
A handle or pad of existing design will supply the contact point of resistance for the user.
As in any interlocking gear system, if you rotate an un-fixed gear, wheel, ext., around a fixed gear, wheel, ext., it will follow the path of the fixed gear at a predictable rate, ratio of rotation, and curve. When the secondary gear, cam, ext., is rotated clockwise it will track in a clockwise direction around the primary gear, cam, ext. (See
By supplying resistance to the secondary gear, cam, ext. 2, via a cable, rope, lever or any other apparent line of resistance 3 to a weight, stack, plate loading rack, hydraulics or any other apparent device 5 there will be resistance through the entire range of motion. By changing the position of the secondary gear 2 and the placement of the resistance line 3 and pulleys 4, the direction and vector of resistance can be changed to target the desired muscle group or groups in the desired direction and vector.
The applications are not limited to the illustrations listed above.
One use of the current invention is to provide an exercise that moves two joints and one or more muscle or muscle groups simultaneously.
By changing the line of resistance, direction of resistance, position of the user, and body part being worked, it is possible to work the specified muscle groups described.
Use of this devise is not limited to these examples. The devise may be used for any motion that follows an eccentric or concentric arch in its execution. These may include but are not limited to; throwing motions as in football and baseball, a tennis swing, a golf swing, ext.
This U.S. Non-provisional patent application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/800,877 and claims the benefit of that filing date.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60800877 | May 2006 | US |