Patent Application
20200246655
The present invention relates in general to a modular resistance force system and more particularly, to a device and method for providing a modular resistance force for use in exercise and therapeutic products.
Physical fitness studies often credit physical exercise with adding years to one's life, making them both healthier and happier, on average. Despite these significant benefits, many people do not exercise for a range of reasons. Most people are limited by the time, space, or money they have available for exercise. Free weights and stacked weight machines have a prohibitively large footprint for a home and can be quite dangerous by trapping the users beneath weighted barbells or hurting little fingers between the moving plates. Popular home fitness products that use an inclined ramp or pushup handles offer only some percentage of one's bodyweight as its maximum resistance level. Inadequate resistance levels can lead to repetitive strain injuries from the number of repetitions needed for muscle fatigue even at moderate fitness levels.
Dumbbells sets may be used as alternatives to large fitness machines but are quite expensive and limit resistance training to the upper body. Conversely, cardio cycles, treadmills, climbers and rowers work well for the lower body but provide limited value in building upper body strength. These machines are also expensive and use significant space in the home. Cheaper options such as rubber bands and shakable dumbbells, although portable and inexpensive, have resistance curves, which are a poor match for the strength curve of a muscle.
Commercial gyms may be an option for a total body workout, but are often costly and, time consuming when adding in travel times to workout time. Individuals with physical limitations often find that the weight systems available to them in commercial gyms do not accommodate their wheelchairs or walkers. Many individuals are too self-conscious of their weight or lack of strength to exercise and feel good about themselves in commercial gyms. In addition to these challenges, fitness novices, as well as our growing elderly population, often suffer from debilitating pain in their muscles that are not accustom to exercise. This common condition is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, clinically referred to as (DOMS). DOMS causes muscles to be tight and painful after exercise. Although most of us have experienced mild discomfort from DOMS after a workout or physical event, DOMS can be so intense that individuals significantly limit the range of movement of the effected muscles for several days in order to avoid the intense pain. Further, unpredictable business travel schedules and simple mental boredom can easily discourage all but the most determined to achieve their fitness goals. A simpler and more cost effective exercise system is needed.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a modular resistance force system, which includes a pull assembly optionally a handgrip assembly or an ankle strap that is pulled or pushed away from the assembled unit to provide the user an exercise workout. When a user desires to exercise, they simply anchor the assembled unit in any number of ways provided, and pull or push the handgrip assembly away from the assembled unit. Pulling or pushing the handgrip pulls webbing off of a spool inside the assembled unit causing the spool to turn around its axis with a coaxially attached gear. This rotation of the spool and gear assembly can be resisted from turning when the user activates a resistance-engaging selector, which moves clutch gears into a position to communicate the rotation of the spool assembly to a specific resistance assembly.
This resistance engaging selection can be made through a push button, pull pin, sliding lever, rotate switch or other selection mechanism. In this example a short lever(s) on the outside of the assembled unit is turned to move a gear plate to engage resistance members that add up to the sum total of the resistance level desired. This desired resistance is then felt when the user pulls or pushes the handgrip assembly away from the assembled unit.
Internally when the user selects which resistance mechanisms to engage, a clutch gear or multiple clutch gear sets are moved on the gear plate so they communicate the resistance to rotation from the desired resistance mechanism(s) to resist the rotation of the spool assembly. The spool rotates on its axis when the pull assembly pulls the webbing. This handgrip pulls the webbing off of the spool when the handgrip is being pulled or pushed away from the assembled unit.
Resistance mechanisms resist the rotational forces of the spool assembly by having an inner resistance element fixed so it won't rotate and an outer resistance element housing that shares the same axis but can rotate about that axis. Between the surfaces of these resistance elements is a resistance substance. When the resistance mechanism is selected, it causes the outer resistance element housing to turn while the inner resistance element stays fixed causing the resistance substance that is in contact with both the fixed and rotating surfaces to experience shear forces.
It is the shear force that is created by the resistance substance that resists the turning outer resistance element housing. The clutch gears that mechanically engaged to both the resistance mechanisms and the spool assembly that make pulling the pull assembly away from the assembled unit a resistance workout. Several resistance mechanisms can be stacked on the same fixed axle and the resistance to rotation they provide can range greatly.
The amount of resistance each resistance mechanism can provide can be varied by increasing the surface area the resistance substance is in contact with inside the resistance mechanism between the fixed and rotating surfaces. The resistance provided can also be varied by increasing the distance from the axis of rotation the resistance substance acts on the fixed and rotating surfaces. Increasing the gap between the fixed and rotating resistance surfaces can also vary the amount of resistance the resistance mechanisms will provide. The selection of the resistance substance was based upon its ability to provide the same amount of resistance to rotation without regard for temperature so that each resistance mechanism will provide a predictable amount of resistance to rotation. This consideration was so that the assembled unit can provide near constant force resistance levels for a given rotation speed with a very low, almost unnoticeable initial spike in the mechanisms resistance.
According to one embodiment, the resistance between the inner resistance element and the resistance substance causes a force to be applied to the outer resistance element housing in a first rotational direction.
According to one objective there is a modular resistance force system for use in exercising products, comprising: a main housing for the resistance force system comprising inside; a spool mechanism comprising; a spool, a spool gear; a power spring element, a one way bearing, that all rotate around a first axis and the spool gear configured to rotate about a first axis in only one direction. Further comprising a resistance mechanism disposed about a second axis of a fixed axle comprising; a resistance housing, a fixed resistance element and a resistance substance, wherein the resistance substance is disposed between the resistance housing and the resistance element. Also comprising a clutch gear configured to interconnect the spool assembly with the resistance mechanism; wherein the spool assembly is configured to rotate both the clutch gear and the resistance mechanism and said inner resistance element is configured to resist rotation about the fixed axle such that a resistance between the outer resistance housing and the fixed resistance element puts the resistance substance into shear.
In yet another objective, the modular resistance force system wherein the webbing is one of or any combination of the following: fabric webbing; rope; cable; chain; chord; or wire. The modular resistance force system, wherein the shear is mechanically communicated to the webbing of the spool mechanism and a user interface located outside the main housing and; the user interface is configured to pull webbing off of the spool mechanism, such that a user requires additional force to move the webbing and user interface between two points.
The modular resistance force system, wherein a user first pulls the user interface away from the spool mechanism and second releases the tension on the user interface; and the spool mechanism is configured such that the power spring turns the spool mechanism in a second rotational direction thus recoiling the webbing to the initial position ready for another repetition of an exercise. The modular resistance force system, wherein the user interface is a handgrip or an ankle strap connected to the webbing.
Another objective is have a modular resistance force system, where in the clutch gear is a plurality of clutch gears and the resistance mechanism is a plurality of resistance mechanism. Also, further comprising resistance-engaging devices that selectively engage the clutch gears to produce resistance from one or more of the resistance mechanisms. The resistance element housing further comprises protrusions, and the one or more resistance engaging devices cause the corresponding resistance element housing to rotate by engaging the protrusions.
The modular resistance force system, wherein the plurality of resistance mechanisms comprise: a first resistance mechanism configured to apply a first resistance force when a first resistance element and a first resistance element housing of the first resistance mechanism rotate relative to each other; and a second resistance mechanism configured to apply a second resistance force when a second resistance element and a second resistance mechanism housing of the second resistance mechanism rotate relative to each other, and the first force and the second force are divergent. The plurality of resistance mechanisms comprise a first resistance mechanism and a second resistance mechanism, and the first resistance mechanism is coupled via a joining element to the second resistance mechanism.
In a further objective, having a modular resistance force system comprising power spring configured to rotate the spool around said first axis in a second rotational direction opposite a first rotational direction; and webbing that is configured to wind back onto spool assembly when said tension is released from the webbing. The handgrip comprises two parts and each part is attached at a first end to the webbing and removably attached to the other handgrip part, on second end, such that the handgrip stays connected to the webbing even when the handgrip is two separate handgrips. The two parts of the handgrip attach and detach from each other using male and female threading parts.
Another objective is that the modular resistance force system wherein the housing removably attaches two arms to a bottom of said main housing and, the two arms are configured as movable between positions to anchor the product by standing on them or to allow easier carrying of the product. The housing two arms are configured to move from a position parallel to ground to a position adjacent to an opposite sides of the main housing.
In a final objective there is a modular resistance force system for use in exercising products, the modular force resistance system comprising: a housing containing a crank arm on a first axis configured to be co-axial with and connected to at least one crank sprocket; a resistance sprocket on a second axis connected to an outer resistance housing; and an inner resistance element on a fixed axis element of said second axis. Also comprising a resistance substance disposed between said inner resistance element and said outer resistance housing; a drive configured to rotate second sprockets when crank arm rotates the first sprocket; and inner resistance element is configured to resist rotation about a fixed axle such that a resistance between the outer resistance housing and the fixed resistance element puts the resistance substance into shear. The drive is a chain or belt and the crank sprocket connected to the crank arm is a plurality of crank sprockets. The resistance sprocket connected to the outside resistance housing is a plurality of resistance sprockets. The modular resistance force system, wherein at least one or resistance sprocket or crank sprocket is replaced with at least one spur gear.
The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:
A better understanding of the disclosed technology will be obtained from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings and the attached claims.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a cost efficient and portable modular resistance force system. Embodiments of the present invention provide resistance, which allows users to build concentric strength. Concentric strength refers to the muscle contractions needed when kicking a ball, hitting a ball, climbing stairs, lifting an object or any other movement that causes the muscles to shorten in length. Eccentric contractions are gradual elongation of the muscle as they return to the initial pre-contracted position prior to the concentric contraction. This system limits the amount of force needed in eccentric contractions and therefore reduces the eccentric muscle load, which has been shown to reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS.
Embodiments of the present invention include one or more modular resistance force systems also known as assembled units coupled to external components of various exercise fitness systems. Embodiments of the present invention use sensors to provide information about the duration, intensity and number of repetitions associated with the user's exercises that can be shared with the users or others, including doctors, physical therapists, trainers and sports teams. Embodiments of the present invention output data to supplement electronic game play, create historical data of performance or provide feedback to modify the resistance or other settings.
In an embodiment, a spool assembly 23 comprises gear 31, one way bearing 30, spool 20, webbing 27, and a power spring element 28, an e-clip 10, all rotating around a spool axle 26a. Modular resistance force machine further comprises handgrip 21, webbing for handgrip 22, and webbing 27 that wraps around spool 20 causing the spool assembly 23 to rotate in a first rotational direction. By way of example handgrip 21 in the figures is a handle, however the modular resistance force will work with any well-known interface for pulling and pushing known in the art of exercise equipment.
Webbing 27 and webbing for handgrip 22 may also be one or any combination of the following: a chord, rope, chain, wire, cable, leather or any well-known material used in exercise machines.
A user pulls handgrip 21 to create a tension on the webbing 27. When tension on the webbing 27 is released a power spring 28, optionally, a constant force spring, rotates the spool 20 in the second rotational direction, recoiling the webbing 27 back onto the spool 20. The spool 20 turns independently of the gear 31, which rotates in only one direction due to the one-way bearing 30. This one way bearing 30 provides that all of the gears, including the outside of the resistance element housing 34 and 36, always rotate in the same direction even though the spool 20 rotates in both directions to dispense and recoil the webbing from the spool 20 with the movement of the handgrip 21.
Clutch gear 24 optionally is a plurality of clutch gears. When the clutch gear 24 is engaged, the rotation of the spool assembly 23 caused by the handgrip 21 pulling the webbing 27 from the spool 20 turns the selected resistance mechanism 25. The user pulling on the handgrip assembly 21 then meets resistance. It is the effort the user must exert to overcome this resistance that allows them to expend more energy in exercising with the modular resistance force system.
Resistance mechanisms 25 optionally include one or more materials such as plastics, metals, composites, ceramics, woods and other solid materials. A resistance substance 33 has many options: a fluid, a solid, and a gel. Resistance substances 33 further options are one or more of the following materials; silicone, adhesives, sticky substances, fugitive adhesives, highly viscous fluids, grease, silicon grease, viscosity enhanced fluids, liquid latex, rubber-like semi fluids, gels, semi-solids or gelatinous solids. Factors for determining the materials of the resistance mechanism 25, a resistance element housing 34 and 36 and a resistance substance 33 may include wear, temperature, amount of resistance between the materials, force needed to overcome initial inertia, durability, air entrapment, recovery, tensile strength and stickiness.
Each inner resistance element 35 may be attached to the axle 26 and configured not to rotate. Each resistance element housing 34 and 36 may be configured to house a corresponding inner resistance element 35 and resistance substance 33. Further the resistance element housing 34 and 36 optionally is made from two pieces or printed or formed as a single piece of material. Each resistance substance 33 may be disposed between a corresponding inner resistance element 35 and a corresponding resistance element housing 34 and 36. Accordingly, each resistance element housing 34 and 36 may be coupled to a corresponding inner resistance element 35 via a corresponding resistance substance 33.
According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more resistance elements 35 and corresponding resistance element housings 34 and 36 may be caused to move relative to each other by selectively engaging any of the resistance mechanisms 25 to rotate on the axle 26.
In some embodiments, sensors not shown will sense the forces applied by resistance mechanisms to axles. These sensors are optionally placed in the vicinity of, embedded in, integral with, adjacent to, locally directed at, or otherwise associated with and in proximity to movable parts. Sensors optionally are one or more of optical sensors, such as an optical sensor pointed at a reflecting element or portion of the moving assembly. User interface elements, in some embodiments optionally include buttons coupled to electrical switches to select the resistance levels.
In some embodiments the information sensed by the one or more sensors may include information indicating at least one or any combination of the following: a number of rotations of resistance mechanisms 25; a rate of rotations of resistance mechanisms 25 over a period of time; a stroke length of webbing 27 from spool 20; and an amount of resistance applied to the uncoiling webbing 27 from the spool 20.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensors include a heart rate sensor configured to sense the heart rate of a user.
Outer resistance housing 75a has a top 70. The outer resistance housing 75a rotates with crank arm 80 through drive 95a. The drive is either a chain drive 95a or a belt drive 95b and primarily has the function of spur gear 23. Fixed shaft 26 prevents the resistance disk 35 from rotating and the resistance between the outer resistance housing 75a and the fixed resistance element 35 puts the resistance substance 33 into shear. The crank arm 80 optionally rotates in only one direction.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a fitness system that includes one or more modular resistance force systems and an external mechanism. The one or more modular resistance force systems each has at least two-fixed axis configured to locate a power spring, spool mechanism and clutch around one, and another to locate one or more resistance mechanisms stacked around it.
Each of the one or more resistance mechanisms includes an inner resistance element disposed about a fixed axle, a resistance element housing rotatable around the same fixed axis, and a resistance substance disposed between the resistance element and the resistance element housing. The resistance element housing can be selectively engaged to rotate around one fixed axle and cause a resistance force to transfer through the clutch gears to resist the rotation of the spool assembly or similar gear arrangement in the assembly. The external mechanism has one or more components configured to interact with a user and the one or more modular resistance force systems is coupled to the external mechanism.
According to an embodiment, the external mechanism is a home fitness product from a group of home fitness products that includes a stationary bicycle, a climbing product and a rowing product.
According to an embodiment, the external mechanism is a product that applies a rotational resistance force.
In one aspect of an embodiment, the external fitness mechanism is a product that applies a linear resistance force. In another aspect of an embodiment, the external fitness mechanism is a product that applies a rotational force.
Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
