Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~2542~3
EXERCISE M~CHINE
Technica:l Field
The present invention relates to an exercise
machine for exercising many of the major muscle
groups of the body. More specifically, the present
invention relates to such a machine which is very
versatile, which uses electrically operated brakes as
the resistance means against which the muscles work,
and which has a novel controller for regulating the
force levels provided by the brakes. While the
exercise machine is primarily used for anaerobic
exercise, it may also be used for aerobic exercise.
Backqround of the Invention
The health benefits of a well-rounded
exercise program have become increasingly well known
in recent years. Current medical thinking suggests
such a program should include both aerobic and
anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is any exercise
which conditions the cardiovascular system by
increasing the heart rate of the person undergoing
the exercise and maintaining that heart rate in an
elevated range for at least 10-15 minutes. On the
other hand, anaerobic exercise seeks to increase
muscle si2e and the capacity of the muscle for
~5~2a~3
--2--
performing work, i.e. the so-called "body building"
exercises. Anaerobic exercise does not generally
provide any aerobic benefit.
Aerobic exercise can be accomplished by
walking, running, swimming or undertaking any
physical activity which causes the elevated heart
rate. Moreover, various machines have been developed
for use as aerobic treadmills, rowing machines, cross
country skiing machines and the like. Such machines
can also be used indoors and are often desirable when
weather conditions would otherwise make it difficult
to perform outside forms of aerobic exercise.
Similarly, many devices have been developed
to exercise muscle groups anaerobically. The most
traditional of these is the freestanding barbell or
weight set. In addition, however, various machines
have been developed for use in gyms, such as the
Universal weight machines or the machines embodied in
the Nautilus system. For example, a typical
Universal weight machine comprises a rectangular
frame having a plurality of stations located along
the sides of the frame. A plurality of weight stacks
are carried by the frame and are connected to various
implements or attachments. The weight stacks can
have the weight varied by means of a releasable lock
pin. Basically, the operator goes from one station
to another performing different exercises at each,
for example, the chest press, the leg press and the
like.
The Nautilus system is also notable. This
system includes many specialized exercise machines
which are devoted generally to performing just one,
or at most a few, of the many exercises required for
exercising all the muscle groups of the body. In
_3_ ~ 25~243
fact, there are at least 17 individual machines in
the complete Nautilus system for performing in excess
of 25 exercises. Each of the machines generally
includes a support bench on which the operator sits
or lies and a weight stack. The weight stack is
connected through a rotatable cam to an implement
which the operator rotates or pushes against as the
case may be. The purpose of the cam is to cause a
relatively constant exercising force against the
muscle throughout the entire range of motion of the
exercise. Some of the principles behind the Nautilus
system, and particularly the use of the cam, are
explained in more detail in U.S. Patent 3,858,873 to
Jones.
While the Universal and Nautilus systems
are effective, they have numerous disadvantages. For
example, the basic rectangular Universal exercise
machine is relatively heavy, bulky and is limited in
the number of exercises it can perform. For example,
a second separate machine is required, even in the
Universal system, to perform leg curl and leg
extension exercises. However, this machine cannot
perform leg abduction or adduction exercises.
Moreover,the Nautilus system best typifies the
practice of having separate machines for performing
separate exercises, thereby requiring a vast array of
machines to exercise the body in a reasonably
complete fashion. Obviously, the expense required in
purchasing such machines, and the relatively large
area in which such machines need to be installed,
render them unfit or unsuitable for use by the
consumer in his home. They generally appear only in
gymnasiums, health clubs or other organi~ed sports
facilities.
~2S~2~3
--4--
In fact, when one considers the aquiement
available to be purchased by the consumer for home
use at the current time, it is relatively limi~ed.
Most of this equipment usually involves some type of
exercise bench having pivotal rollers at on end which
can be used to perform leg extension and leg curl
exercises. The other end of the bench often has a
crosspiece member for holding barbells or the like.
In addition, spring tension lexercisers are often
included on such benches.
Various recent patlents suggesting that it
would be desirable for a con'sumer to have in his home
an exercise machine for exercising many different
muscle groups. U.S. Patents 4,429,871 to Flechner
and 4,465,274 to Davenport are two recent examples
showing how those skilled in the art have approached
this problem. The basic thrust behind the devices
shown in these patents is to have a support member on
which the user sits which allows rotary motion of the
arms and legs about the horizontal pivot axes through
the knees, elbows and shoulders. However, these
machines also allow further pivoting motions about
the vertical axes through the hips and the
shoulders. The Flechner device accomplishes this by
having separate stations at which the user is
positioned depending on which type of pivoting motion
is required. Davenport accomplishes this by having a
separable attachment which connects to the machine
when differently oriented pivot axes are required.
While these two patents have recognized the
need for a more versatile machine, they again have
numerous disadvantages. For example, most of the
exercise attachments against which the user pushes to
exercise require their own separate hydraulic
~.25~243
-5-
cylinders as the force resisting elements. The use
of so many separate hydraulic cylinders increases the
complexity and expense of the machine. Moreover,
hydraulic cylinders are not ideally suited for use in
S the home since they can leak hydraulic fluid. In
addition, the approach to solving the problem of
exercises requiring movement about the vertical axes
through the hips or the shoulders is somewhat
clumsily achieved. Basically, it requires totally
separate force resisting elements, in one case
arranged at a separate stativn, for accomelishing
this. In additions, it also requires the user to be
positioned on the support bench in less than the
ideal exercise position because of the geometric
limitations of the machine.
It has been suggested that electromagnetic
brakes have some utility in aerobic exercise
machines. For example, U.S. Patent 4,084,810 to
Forsman discloses an electromagnetic brake used as
the force resister in a stationary bicycle. However,
the Applicant is not aware of any electromagnetic
brakes used in an exercise machine capable of
exercising both sides of the body in an anaerobic
fashion. U.S. Patent 4,337,050 to Engalitcheff shows
an electromagnetic brake that is mounted to the top
of a table. The brake can be pivoted so that its
armature shaft is either vertically pointing toward
the ceiling or horizontally pointing toward the
wall. Various attachments simulating everyday
implements, such as screwdrivers or the like, can be
attached to the armature. These attachments are then
gripped by a person having damaged muscles who
attempts to turn the implement in an ordinary fashion
to rehabilitate his muscles. While this is a use of
~25~ 3
--6--
an electromagnetic brake in other than a stationary
bicycle, it does not teach the use of such a brake in
a fashion which is effective as an anaerobic exercise
machine.
Finally, Applicant is aware of an Inter-
national Application, Public,ation Number W080~00308,
which was published March 6, 1980. This application
discloses a device used for neasuring muscular
strength having a support bench which can be raised
up and down on a scissors fr,amework and which can be
slid longitudinally front to back on the framework as
well. A carriage is arranged to carry a force
resister from one side of the bench to the other for
measuring the muscular strength of the muscles on
each side of the body. The force resister is also
pivotally arranged so that its working axis can be
shifted from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.
It is also recognized that some exercise benefit
could be obtained from this arrangement.
While the International Application
referenced above discloses a movable and pivotable
force resister, it does not disclose an effective
exercise machine. For one thing, it appears to
disclose testing or exercising only one-half of the
body at a time since the brake has to be moved from
one side to the other. In addition, it does not
disclose use of an electromagnetic brake, but a
different type of force resistance means which is
relatively complex. In addition, many of the
exercises could be accomplished on this mechanism
only in less than ideal positions. Accordingly, this
publication does not disclose an effective versatile
exercise machine.
_7_ ~ ~'S~2~3
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates ~o an exercise
machine utilizing an electrically operated brake,
i.e. preferably an electromagnetic brake, which is
bodily movable for exercising many of the major
S muscle groups of the body. ln fact, the exercise
machine of this invention utilizes two such brakes
capable of simultaneously exercising the opposed
sides of the body.
One aspect of the present invention is an
exercise machine having a frame on which two force
resisters are longitudinally movable for exe.cising
the muscle groups in both the lower body and the
upper body. The force resisters are pivotally
mounted so that they are also effective in exercising
body members that pivot in different planes.
Another aspect of ths invention is the use
of an electrically operated brake or resistance means
in an exercise machine in which the resistance is
separately controlled during the muscle extension and
muscle contraction.
Another aspect of the present invention is
an exercise machine in which an electromagnetic brake
can be used to exercise muscle groues in both an
aerobic manner and a non-aerobic manner. Aerobic
exercise is allowed by setting the force levels of
the brake relatively low to allow a large number of
repetitions. Anaerobic exercise is achieved by
setting force levels relatively high with a corres-
ponding fewer number of repetitions.
Another aspect of this invention is an
exercise machine having a frame in which two side
frame members extend Erom a position generally
-8- ~25~3
beneath the operator to a position above the
operator. Force resistance means are movable along
each of the side frame members. The side frame
members are inclined outwardly in a transverse
direction so that the shafts of the force resisters
are spaced apart further when they are located above
the operator than when they are located beneath the
operator. Moreover, another aspect of this invention
is such an exercise machine in which the side frame
members extend in an arcuate curve from front to back.
Another aspect of this invention is the
provision of an exercise machine that is amazingly
versatile. For example, a single exercise machine is
now capable of performing various exercises while the
user is supported in the optimum position.
Brief DescriPtion of the Drawinqs
The present invention will be described in
more detail in the following Detailed Description,
when taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the overall
exercise machine according to the present invention
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the
exercise machine shown in Fig. 1, having one of the
side frame members partially broken away to better
illustrate the support bench for the user of the
machine:
Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view
taken along lines 3-3 in Fig. 2, particularly illus-
trating ~he underside of the seat of the supportbench and the manner in which it attaches to the
frame oE the exercise machine:
g
Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a
portion of the support bench, particularly illus-
trating the hinged connection between the seat and
back rest portions of the support bench;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken
along lines corresponding to 5-5 in Fig. 2, par-
ticularly illustrating the movable carriage that
slidably supports one of the electromagnetic brakes
as shown on the left side frame member in Fig. 2 and
the rack and pinion mechanisnn that supports the
weight of the brake and moves the carriage up and
down the side frame members;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view generally
similar to Fig. 5, taken along lines corresponding to
6-6 in Fig. 2, particularly illustrating a first
means for locking the movable carriage shown on the
left side frame member:
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken
along lines 7-7 in Fig. 5, particularly illustrating
a second means, attached to the handle of the rack
and pinion for locking the movable carriage on the
left side frame member as that carriage is shown in
Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the
movable carriage that slidably supports the electro-
magnetic brake on the right side frame member, with
eortions thereof being shown in cross-section to
better illustrate the hinge means for pivotably
supporting the brake on the carriage;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view through
the movable carriage on the left side frame member
taken along lines generally corresponding to lines
9-9 in Fig. 8, particularly illus~rating the pivoting
motion of the brake and the locking means for locking
-10_ 3~25~3
the brake in position, and particularly illustrating
one of the exercise attachments and a first
embodiment of a connection means for securing said
attachment to ~he brake shaft:
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken
through the end of one brake shaft, particularly
illustrating a second embodiment of a connection
means for securing an exercise attachment to the
shaft;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken
along lines 11-11 in Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is an electrical block diagram of
the controller of the exercise machine according to
the present invention;
Fig. 13A through 13C comprise a flow chart
illustrating the operation of the controller of Fig.
12;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the
exercise machine shown in Fig. 1, particularly
illustrating use of the machine for accomplishing a
hip and back exercise;
Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14. but
showing use of the machine for accomplishing a leg
extension exercise:
Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing use of the machine for accomplishing a leg
curl exercise;
Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing use of the machine for accomplishing leg
abduction and adduction exercises;
Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing user of the machine for accomplishing a chest
press type exercise;
Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing use of the machine for accomplishing a biceps
curl exercise;
5~2~3
Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing use of the machine to accomplish a triceps
extension exercise:
Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
S showing use of the machine to accomplish an arm pull
over exercise:
Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 14, but
showing use of the machine to accomplish an arm cross
exercise.
Detailed Description
10 Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, an exercise
machine according to the present invention is
ganerally illustrated as 2. By way of introduction,
exarcise machine 2 comprises a frame 4 that includes
a support bench 20 on which a user may sit or lie as
the case may be. Frame 4 carries resistance means
for exercising various muscle groups on each side of
the body of a user who is supported on bench 20. The
resistance means comprises two electrically operated
brakes 62, Preferably electromagnetic brakes, which
are longitudinally movable on frame 4 for exercising
both lower body and upper body muscles, and which are
also pivotal on frame 4 so that the working axes of
brakes 62 can be shifted between different
orientations to accommodate exercising movements that
require body members to pivot in different planes.
the resistance afforded by brakes 62 is controlled by
a novel controller 200 which also displays various
physiological data to the user of machine 2.
The Frame
~s shown in Figs 1 and 2, frame 4 includes a
~25~43
-12-
rectangular base frame 5 sized to cover an area on
the floor sufficiently large so that the overall
exercise machine 2 is stable during use. Two left
and right side frame members 6 are attached to each
side of base frame 5 somewhat in back of the front
edge thereof. Side frame mennbers 6 extend vertically
upwardly in an arcuate curve from front to back such
that their upper ends are located generally above the
rear edge of base frame 5. A top rail 7 integrally
connects the upper ends of side frame members 6
together. Thus, side frame members 6 and top rail 7
can be said to define a U-shaped frame in which the
opposed legs of the U are defined by the transversely
spaced apart side frame members 6 while top rail 7
defines the closed end of the U. In addition, a
transverse crosspiece 8 extends between side frame
members 6 adjacent their lower ends to reinforce the
same.
Frame 4 also includes two rear rails 9 which
extend vertically between top rail 7 and base frame 5
to further rigidify and reinforce frame 4. In
addition, frame 4 includes a longitudinally extending
rail 10 having a generally horizontal rear portion 11
and a downwardly inclined forward portion 12.
Forward portion 12 of rail 10 is attached to the
mid-point of base frame 5 adjacent the front edge
thereof. The rear end of horizontal portion 11 of
rail 10 is attached to a horizontal crosspiece 13
that extends between rear rails 9 about a third of
the way up the length thereof. Rail 10 provides
means for slidably supporting a support bench 10 on
frame ~ as will be described hereafter.
~ 11 of the portions of frame 4 described
thus far, i.e. base frame 5, side frame members 6,
-125~2~3
-13-
etc., comprise or are made from generally
cylindrical, hollow tubes made of steel or any other
sufficiently strong material. Except for some
welding in base frame 5 and at the points of
attachment of crosspieces 8 and 13, the tubes are
connected together by opposed T-shaped clamps 14
secured together by bolts 15. These bolts 15 extend
through the opposed clamps 14 and may also extend
through a hole in the end of one of the tubes being
secured together. However, other materials could be
used for the frame pieces along with any appropriate
methods of securing them together. For example, base
frame 5 could be a solid rectangular piece rather
than the open rectangular framework defined by the
cylindrical tubes.
Frame 4 has two significant geometric
characteristics which should be noted initially
here. The first is the aforementioned arcuate curve
on side frame members 6 as they riser vertically from
front to back as shown in Fig. 2. The second is the
fact that the side frame members 6 are also slightly
inclined or bowed outwardly in a transverse direction
as they rise vertically from front to back, i.e. the
transverse distance between side frame members 6
(denoted as X in Fig. 1) gradually and progressively
increases as they rise vertically from bottom to
top. both of these characteristics help properly
orient the working axes of the brakes for accomplis-
ing various exercises as will be explained in more
detail hereafter.
The Support ~3ench
Referring now to Figs. 2-4, a support bench
-14- ~2542~
20 for the user of machine 2 is located on
longitudinal rail 10 between side frame members 6.
Bench 20 includes a generally horizontal seat 22 and
a back rest 24 that may be inclined relative to seat
22. Both seat 22 and back rest 24, which are similar
except for their lengths. comprise a padded or
resilient cushion 27 attached to a base 28. Back
rest 24 may be moved from a position in which it is
generally in the same plane a~ seat 22, i.e. to allow
the user to lie flat thereon, to a position where it
is inclined upwardly at any desired angle relative to
seat 22, i.e. to allow the user to sit at least
partially upright. This infinite adjustment of back
rest 24 is accomplished with a seat adjuster 26 o$
the type commonly found on automobiles, specifically
the one illustrated herein is taken from a Honda
automobile.
Seat 22 is slidably mounted for longitudinal
adjustment on rail 10 by two longitudinally extending
20 support rods 30. Each rod 30 is fixed to seat 22 by
placing it between inner and outer L-shaped mounting
brackets 31 and 32 and securing it to the vertical
walls thereof by bolts 33. Each outer bracket 32 has
a horizontal wall 35 that is secured to the underside
25 of base 28 of seat 22 by tap bolts 36 or the like.
In Fig. 3, one rod 30 is broken away to illustrate
the attachment of horizontal wall 35 to seat 22 with
the other rod 30 being shown in full to illustrate
the attachment of rod 30 to brackets 31 and 32.
Inner bracket 31, which is considerably longer and
thus extends further forwardly than outer bracket 32,
also includes a horizontal wall 38. Wall 38 defines
a support surface which rests on one end 39 of a
saddle-shaped rod 40 fixed to the underside Oe rail
-15- ~5~2~3
10 slightly in back of the junction between the
horizontal and inclined eortions thereof. The
engagement between inner brackets 31 and rod 40
secure and stabilize support bench 20 on frame 4. In
addition, seat 22 includes two forwardly inclined
hand grips 41 which are threaded into the front end
of outer brackets 32. Hand grips 41 may be held by
the user while performing various exercises.
~s shown in Figs. 2 and 3, each of the
longitudinal rods 30 slide in sleeves 42 which are
fixedly mounted on longitudinal rail 10 by a
cross-bracket 43. ~t least one sleeve 42 has a
transverse hole 44 all the way therethrough which can
be aligned with various ones of a set of holes 45 in
one rod 30. ~ lock pin 46 having a spring biased
ball (not shown) on the outer end thereof can be
inserted through holes 44 in sleeve 42 and through
any selected one of the holes 45 in rod 30 to lock
support bench 20 in place on rail 10. Support bench
20 can be repositioned when necessary by releasing
lock pin 46 to free rods 30 in sleeves 42 and by then
pulling or pushing on seat 22 to slide the entire
support bench 20 on rail 10. Obviously, inner
brackets 31 should be long enough to always remain in
engagement with rod 40 over the entire range of
movement of bench 20.
Referring now to Fig. 4, seat adjuster 26
includes inner and outer seat brackets 48 and 49.
Inner support brackets 32, e.g. using one of the
bolts 33 and a second bolt 50, and includes a
generally circular ear 51 that overlies the rear edge
of seat 22. Outer bracket 49 is similarly secured to
back rest 24 by bolts S0 and also includes a circular
ear 52 which is pivotally received on a pivot ein 53
-16- ~2S~2~
that extends outwardly Erom ear 51 o~E bracket 48.
Pivot pin 53 includes a slot in its outer end in
which one end of a torsion spring 54 is placed. The
other end of torsion spring 54 is engaged by a tab 55
on outer bracket 49 so that torsion spring 54 is
wound up or tensioned as back rest 24 lies flat, i.e.
as it rotates in the direction of arrows A in Fig.
4. Thus, torsion spring 54 forms a means for
counterbalancing the weight of back rest 24 and
allows back rest 24 to flip up because of the spring
tension when back rest 24 is released. A washer 56
overlies the hub of spring 54 and a spring clip 57
engages the outer end of pivot pin 53 to hold the
parts of adjuster 26 in an assembled relationship.
circular cover 58 preferably encloses the ear 52 and
spring 54. Sae Fig. 1. Seat adjuster 26 is used
only on one side of seat 22. Appropriate hinge
brackets and a simple hinge pin along the same axis
as pivot pin 53 are used on the other side of seat
22.
As is typical in seat adjusters of this
type, there is a ratchet and pawl connection tnot
shown) located on the mating or adjustment surfaces
of ears 51 and 52 for locking back rest 24 relative
to seat 22 in an adjusted position. The pawl is
releasably actuated by a lever 59 which extends out
through a slot 60 in outer bracket 49 and up along
back rest 24 for actuation by the user. When lever
59 is pulled forwardly from its solid to its phantom
line position, the eawl is disengaged from the
ratchet to allow back rest 24 to be rotated around
pivot pin 53. When the user releases lever 59, a
spring restores lever 59 to its solid line position
and reengages the pawl with the ratchet to relock
~2~5~a2~3
-17-
back rest 24 relative to seat 22. While a seat
adjuster 26 of the type shown herein is preferred
because it allows a substantially infinite amount of
variation of the angle of back rest 24 is determined
by the spacing of the teeth on the ratchet, means for
adjustably securing back rest 24 to seat 22 in only
one or a few inclined positions could also be used.
Support bench 20 has been shown carried on
frame 4 and slidably adjustable relative thereto.
However. this is not strictly necessary to the
present invention. It would be possible to delete
longitudinal rail 10 and use a support bench having a
seat and inclinable back rest which is entirely
unconnected to frame 4, but which is supported
instead on the floor.
The Resistance Means
The resistance means carried on frame 4 for
providing the force against which the user exercises
comprises two electrically operated brakes shown
generally as 62, and preferably two electromagnetic
brakes of any generally conventional type as is well
known in the art. Brake 62 includes a generally
circular case 63 that has an output shaft 64
projecting from one side thereof. Output shaft 64
forms part of or is connected to the armature of the
brake with the armature being surrounded in a known
manner by electrical windings. When electricity is
supplied to the windings, a magnetic field is
generated which resists rotation of the armature.
Thus, rotation of output shaft 64 will be resisted by
a variable force that is directly dependent upon the
current supplied to the windings. The greater the
~.~25'~2~3
-18-
resistance to rotation, i.e. the greater the force
against which the user exercises.
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, each side
frame member 6 carries one brake 62 in both a
longitudinally movable and pivotal fashion using a
generally identical slide or movable carriage 66 that
incorporates a hinge 100. Each carriage 66 comprises
opposed top and bottom clamps 67 and 68 that surround
the circumference o~ side frame member 6 and are
secured together by suitable bolts 69 or the like.
Top clamp 67 is made from one piece and is basically
semi-circular with side flanges 70 through which
bolts 69 extend. Bottom clamp 68 actually comprises
three separate parts which are individually bolted to
top clamp 67. i.e. two small semi-circular clamps 71
on either side oE a thickened central module 72
having a semi-circular bore that fits around side
frame member 6. However. the parts comprising bottom
clamp 68 could be integrally fashioned into a single
part. While clamps 67 and 68 have been shown in the
drawings as tightly clamped on side frame members 6,
sufficient clearance or low friction bushings between
the clamps and the side frame member are used to
ensure smooth, non-binding movement of support
carriage 66.
Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, the
underside of each side frame member 6 includes a gear
toothed rack 74 along the arcuate curve thereof
substantially from the top to the bottom. The gear
teeth 75 of rack 74 face to the outside of side frame
member 6. central module 72 includes a cavity 76
which contains a rotatable pinion 77 that is engaged
with rack 74, thereby forming a rack and pinion
connection between side frame member 6 and carriage
~X542~3
--19--
66. Pinion 77 is mounted or keyed to the end of a
shaft 79 which extends outwardly through module 72 to
be coupled by a roll pin 80 to the and of a rotary
handle 81. ~ rotatable ball 82 on the free end of
handle 81 can be gripped to turn the handle. When
handle 81 is rotated, pinion 77 will rotate in
engagement with rack 74 to cause carriage 66 to move
up and down along side frame member 6. this rack and
pinon also helps support the weight of carriage 66
~0 and eases the task of moving it up and down side
frame member 6.
There are two separate locking means, i.e.
a main lock and a secondary lock, for locking support
carriage 66 in position on side frame member 6. The
main lock is illustrated in Fig. 6 and comprises a
rectangular block 83 located in cavity 76, or in a
totally separate second cavity, above the location of
pinion 77. block 83 is suited to bear against the
side of rack 74, i.e. it spans across a number of
gear teeth 75. ~ threaded handle 84 has i~s inner
end 85 located in cavity 76 in close proximity to
block 83. The outer end 86 of handle 84 is located
outside module 72 where it can be gri~ped by the user
of machine 2. When handle 84 is turned in the
appropriate direction, block 83 is forced into
engagement with the outside if rack 74 to lock
carriage 66 on side frame member 6. This main lock
is desirably used whenever the brakes 62 are in use
as an exercise device since it has more holding power
than the secondary lock now to be described.
When it is desired to move carriage 66 from
one position to another, the main lock defined by
block 83 must first be released. However, if the
user is not at the same time holding onto handle 81,
~L2S9L243
-20-
Applicant has found that the weight of brake 52 will
move the entire support carriage 66 in a rapid
fashion down rack 74. Thus, handle 81 is provided
with the secondary lock to prevent this~ i.e. it
serves to retain the support carriage 66 in its
position, even when the main lock has been released
by the user.
Referring now to Figs. 5 and 7, the
secondary lock includes a push button 87 retained in
any suitable manner in ball 82 on handle 81. Push
button 87 has an inner end that bears on one end 89
of a bell crank lever 90 that is rotatably journalled
on a pivot pin 91 carried on the back of handle 81.
The opposed end of bell crank lever 90 is formed as a
fork 92 that is connected to a lock pin 93. Pin 93
is carried in a sleeve 94 on handle 81 and is
normally spring biased upwardly by a spring 95 toward
a plate 96 on one face of module 72. A plurality of
circumferentially spaced locking holes 97 are
provided on plate 96 for receiving lock pin 93.
However, when the user wishes to turn handle 81 and
cause a rotary movement of pinion 77 to mova carriage
66, he must first push inwardly on push button 87 to
cause lock pin 93 to be moved downwardly against tha
bias of spring 95 until it moves out of one of the
locking holes 97. Rotary movement o~ handle 81, and
hence movement of carriage 66 is then allowed.
Obviously, both the main lock and secondary
locks could have any suitable form. For example, a
secondary lock could also be provided by journalling
handle 81 on pivot shaft 79 such that handle 81 could
be rocked slightly toward and away from the rear face
of module 72. A locking lug or the like could be
provided on handle 81 which would then be swung into
~5D~2~3
-21-
engagement with one of a plurality of recesses on the
rear face of module 72. A spring could be used on
handle 81 that would normally bias the handle into
this locked position. Then, to unlock the handle,
the operator would first have to rock the handle in
an appropriate direction to disengage the locking lug
before the handle is rotated,.
However, in the embodiment shown in the
drawings, longitudinal movement of support carriage
66 is allowed on side frame members 6 by first
unlocking the main lock by rotating threaded handle
84 outwardly, by engaging ball 82 on handle 81 with
one hand, by then pushing inwardly on push button 87
to release the auxiliary lock, and by then rotating
handle 81 in an appropriate direction to cause pinion
77 to either climb or descend rack 7~ depending on
the direction of handle rotation. In addition to
this longitudinal movement up and down each of side
frame members 6, each brake 62 may also be pivoted
from a first position in which the working axis or
output shaft 64 of brake 62 is generally horizontal
to a second position in which it is generally
vertical. This pivoting motion is allowed by the
hinge structure generally referred to as 100 in Figs.
8 and 9.
Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, top clamp
67 of each support carriage 66 includes a generally
outwardly extending L-shaped support flange 101 the
free leg 102 of which points downwardly. Leg 102
includes a circular boss 103 that carries therein a
hinge pin 104 which is fixedly pinned at 105 to boss
103 so as to be non-rotatable. In addition, support
flanga 101 also includes a generally vertical
circular boss 106 having a locking pin 107 contained
~5~43
-22-
therein. Pin 107 is spring biased downwardly by a
spring 108 coneained inside boss lOS which bears
against the top o~ boss 106 and an enlarged washer
109 or the like on pin 107. Locking pin 107 can be
moved upwardly on a handle 110 at the top end of pin
107.
Rotatably carried on hinge pin 104 is a
support frame 112 having a fairly large circular
opening 113 in the middle thereof and having two
enlarged circular bosses 114 at each side thereof
along the top edge. Each of these bosses 114
includes a flanged bushing 115 which receives hinge
pin 104 for rotatably journalling support frame 112
on the pin in the fashion of a hinge. One of the
circular bosses 114 includes a generally raised
portion forming a cam having first and second locking
recesses 116 spaced apart 90. Recesses 116 are
sized to engage the tapered end of locking pin 107
for locking support frame 112, and hence brakes 62, in
either one of two positions. As shown in Figs. 8 and
9, case 63 of brake 6Z includes a plurality of
threaded bores 117 around the periphery thereof which
are accessible from either side of case 63. Brake
case 63 is preferably mounted to the outside of each
of the sueport frames 112 by bolts 118 which engage
in bores 117. In this mounting brake shaft 64
extends inwardly through the open circular opening
113 to be pointed inwardly toward the in~erior of
exercise machine 2.
Each brake 62 has a first position in which
the brake is generally vertical, with output shaft 64
being generally horizontal, all as shown in solid
lines in Fig. 9. However, when it is desired to
pivot brake 62 to a generally horizontal position,
-23- 125~2~3
with output shaft 64 then being generally vertical,
pin 107 is first pulled upwardly to disengage the pin
from one recess 116. The entire support frame 112 is
then rotated about hinge pin 104 until brake 62
reaches its horizontal position shown in phantom
lines. At this position thf other recess 116 will
be generally in alignment with the end of pin 107.
When pin 107 is released, it will engage the other
recess 116 and lock brake 62 in its horizontal
position. Accordingly, each brake 62, in addition to
being longitudinally movable along side frame members
6, is also pivotal relative thereto by virtue of
hinge 100.
Applicant has found that when brakes 62 are
mounted on support carriages 66 the entire assembly
is relatively heavy. The rack and pinion means are
desirably included for helping carry this weight and
for moving carriage 66 along sids frame members 6.
~owever, some electrically operated brakes may be
light enough such that the rack and pinion mechanism
may not be needed. In such a case, simple slide
members carried on the side frame members may suffice.
The Exercise Attachments and Connection Means Therefor
Obviously, fo~ exercise machine 2 to perform
useful exercising functions, various body contacting
exercise attachments must be coupled to the rotary
output shafts 64 of brakes 62. Fig. 1 illustrates a
first attachment 119 which is useful for performing
arm and chest exercises. Fig. 9 illustrates a second
attachment 120 which is useful for performing various
leg exercises. Generally, each of these attachments,
along with two other attachments which comprise the
-24- ~25~243
entire set of attachments for machine 2, include a
hollow sleeve that fits onto brake shaft 64, an
elongated bar or arm that extends outwardly from the
sleeve, and a body contacting member or set of
members that are positioned at the end of the arm, or
along the length of the arm, for contacting the body
member being exercised. The exercise attachment
shown in Fig. 9 will be described in detail, but the
same major components are included in each of the
other attachments.
Fig. 9 illustrates an exercise attachment
120 of the type used in leg extension and leg cur
exercises. Attachment 120 comprises an L-shaped bar
122 having a padded roller 124 at one end. Although
roller 124 is shown fixed to bar 122, it could be
adjustably secured to bar 122, by connecting it to
one of a series of spaced holes along bar 122, to
vary the effective length of attachment 120 to suit
the individual user. An adjustable strap 126, which
could have Velcro type fasteners, is attached to
roller 124 to help strap the user's foot thereto.
Because of the use of brakes 62 which do not normally
have a restoring force, strap 126 is needed in
certain exercises to help the user return attachment
120 and brake shaft 64 to their initial positions.
Attachment 120 is the only one, however, which
requires such a strap. The other end of bar 122
includes a hollow sleeve 128 which may be slipped
over shaft 64 of brake 62. Sleeve 128 includes a
cross
hole 129 which may be aligned with a cross hole 130
in shaft 64. A locking pin 131 having a ball 132 at
one end which is spring biased outwardly may be
inserted through holes 129 and 130 when they are
aligned to lock attachment 120 to shaft 64. Thus,
-25- ~S~Z~3
attachment 120 must be rotated by the user to cause
rotary movement of shaft 64.
Figs. 10 and 11 disclose a second embodiment
for coupling attachment 120, or any of the other
attachments, to brake shaft 64. This embodiment does
not utilize a separate locking pin 131 which could
inadvertently be lost by the user. In the second
embodiment sleeve 128 generally has an inclined
annular ramp 134 located generally adjacent the same
spot at which cross hole 129 was. Ramp 134 could
also be formed as a groove having a rectangular cross
section. In addition, the outer end of shaft 64 now
includes two locking lugs 136 which are biased
radially outwardly by springs 137. Locking lugs 136
normally project outwardly from the exterior
circumference of shaft 64 so as to be engaged in ramp
134 and couple attachment 120 to shaft 64. The bore
of sleeve 128 and the outer surface of shaft 64 have
mating splines that allow resistance torque to be
transmitted between brake 62 and attachment 120. In
addition, the second embodiment also includes a means
for releasing or camming lugs 136 radially inwardly
to disengage ramp 134 and allow attachment 120 to be
slipped off shaft 64. This releasing means comprises
a circular knob 138 held in place in a cavity 139 at
the outer end of shaft 64 by a snap ring 140. Knob
138 is rotatable and includes two drive pins 141
which extend inwardly and are coupled to lugs 136
respectively. When knob 138 is turned in the
appropriate direction, the drive pins 141 will
retract lugs 136 against the bias of springs 137.
This allows lugs 136 to disengage ramp 134 to allow
removal of attachment 120.
~2S~243
-26-
The Controller
As previously mentioned, an electronic
controller or control system 200 is provided for
allowing the user to set the effort level or force
provided by brakes 62 depending upon the configur-
ation of the apparatus and the muscle groups beingexercised, and the overall conditioning level of the
user. Further, the electronic control system permits
tha user to set a first torque setting for one
direction of movement of the brake shafts 64,
corresponding to a first half-cycle of the exercise,
and a second torque setting for the return movement
or second half-cycle. Applicant believes this is
important since it allows the user to set or "tailor"
the force levels in each half-cycle to the strength
of the muscle groups being exercised in that
particular half-cycle. Thus, the force levels in the
second half-cycle could be higher or lower than the
force levels in the first half-cycle. During
exercise the control system also monitors operation
and provides the user with convenient displays of the
number of repetitions of the exercise cycle per
minute, total number of repetitions per session, rate
of energy expended per hour and the cumulative total
energy expended during the session.
~lthough the control system of this invention
could take a number of different forms, the preferred
form is a microprocessor-based controller such as
indicated in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is shown in block
diagram form with signal connections between
functional blocks generally indicated by single
control lines. It will be apereciated, however, that
in practice multiple signal or conteol lines may be
~25~L~43
-27-
required, depending on the number and type of ports
of the microprocessor, i.e. serial or parallel, and
requirements for providing chip select and clock
signals to individual circuits, as well as power and
ground connections as are generally known in the
art. These have been omitted from the figure for
purposes of clarity and beca~se such details are
generally known in the art and will vary depending on
the particular type of microprocessor and other
circuits used.
In Fig. 12, reference 210 designates a
microprocessor which has a number of input and output
ports and which includes a ROM memory containing an
operating program for the control system as is
lS explained further below. ~ keyboard 220 is provided
to enable the user to enter torque settings into the
controller. The preferred embodiment permits 20 to
200 foot-pound settings, although the machine could
be designated for other values. Keyboard 220 is a
conventional keypad comprising an array of 16
switches, one for each of the digits zero through
nine, plus four for direction indicating switches and
two reset switches. The direction indicating
switches are for "up" and "down", "in", and "out",
corres-
ponding to the possible movements of the brakesdepending on the orientation thereof. The two reset
switches are for resetting the total repetitions and
the total energy burned, respectively. Keyboard 220
communicates with microprocessor 210 over data line
221, which for convenience, is shown as a single lead
in Fig. 12, but which in reality may comprise a
number of data leads depending upon the design of the
keyboard and the input port structure of the
microprocessor, as is generally known.
~ :~5~243
-28-
A plurality of mode indicator lights 231-236
are provided on the control panel for indicating the
current modes of the displays, and these are
controlled by microprocessor 210 through data output
line 237, which in reality comprises a number of
individual data leads. Control lights 231-236 can
consist of LED's with suitable transistor drivers as
is generally known.
In addition to the mode indicator LED's,
three numeric digital displays 240, 245, and 250 are
provided for displaying numeric data for torque,
repetitions and energy burn. These can comprise
liquid crystal displays or LED displays as are
generally known, and perferably provide 4 digits of
display each. Displays 240, 245 and 250 are driven
by display drivers 241, 246, and 251, respectively,
which in turn receive data from a data line 260. For
convenience in circuit layout, a serial output port
of the microprocessor may be used with a single data
line 260 going to all three display drivers, and with
- chip select lines (not shown) connecting from the
microprocessor to the drivers 241, 246 and 251
separately to address data thereto. The drivers
include latches for holding data received from the
microprocessor.
- The controller, or at least a portion
thereof containing the keyboard, indicator LED's and
displays are preferably mounted in a control box
mounted on or adjacent the exercise machine, ard
perferably with the control panel thereof
positionable for convenient access and viewing by the
user.
Reference number 270 designates the sensing
potentiometer associated with one of the braXes.
-29- ~2S~
This potentiometer is used for reading out the
angular position of the brake shaft to provide
position ineut information to the control system.
Preferably, eotentiometer 270 is manufactured
integrally with one of the bcakes 62 and is
positioned within the housing thereof. Sources of
voltage and ground are applied to potentiometer Z70,
and the variable tap thereof connects via lead 211 to
an analog to digital converter 212. The digital
output of A/D converter 212 is output over data lines
213 to an input port of microprocessor 210.
A data output port of microprocessor 210
connects over data line 280 'to digital to analog
converter 281. The analog output from this converter
connects through line 282 to an offset, gain and
balance control network 283, which in turn connects
to inputs to operational amplifiers 284 and 285. the
outputs of these amplifiers connect to power
transistors 286 and 287, whose emitters are connected
to ground and whose collectors are connected to
control current flow through the windings of the
brakes 62. Thus, the output signals provided at data
line 280 will be converted into analog signals which
are amplified and used to control the torque of the
brakes 62. The network 283 is provided as a factory
adjustment to provide offset and gain adjustments to
allow matching of the output torque of brakes 62, to
correct for any manufacturing tolerance in their
torque-current characteristics, so that in operation
both will provide the same torque.
~ real time clock input is provided to the
microprocessor, which for convenience is derived from
the 60-cycle line current, since this is fast enough
for purposes of this control system. The line
_30_ ~5~Z43
voltage is applied to a switch transistor 290 which
causes switching on control lead 292 at the 60 Hz
line frequency, and this is connected to an input of
the microprocessor as a clock reference. A separate
high frequency clock (no-t shown) is provided as is
generally known for operation oE the microprocessor
itself.
A further output of microprocessor 210
connects via line to a one-shot circuit 296, the
output of which connects via line 297 to a reset
input of microprocessor 210. this circuit serves as
a "watchdog" function which is explained below.
The general operation of the control system
is as follows. Upon power up the total repetitions
and total energy counts are cleared and the torque
for both half-cycles oE the brakes are preset at the
default setting of 20 foot-pounds. The operator may
then enter the desired foot-pounds of torque for the
up or in directions, and the down or out directions,
by entering the appropriate numbers on the keyboard
and the appropriate directional symbol, i.e. up,
down, in or out. The user then begins the exercise.
During the exercise the controller con-
tinually senses position of the brakes by sensing
voltage on the sensing potentiometer 270 and commands
the preselected torque corresponding to the presently
occurring direction of motion. By comparing
successive position measurements, direction of motion
of the brake can be determined as well as the
beginning and ending of the half-cycles. This is
preferable to using limit switches or the like for
sensing brake position, since that technique would
assume or require that the user always move the
brakes through a given arc. However, different arc
~25424!t3
-31-
lengths will be used depending on the user and the
specific muscle groups being exercised, and will also
vary slightly on different repetitions within a set.
For these reasons it is prefarable to sense position
only and let the user define his own repetition
half-cycle starting points. The position of the
sensor is read 60 times a second and by comparing the
previous ~alue from the sensor, the processor can
determine the direction of movement or if movement of
the brakes has stopped. When the user stops, marking
the end of a half-cycle of the exercise, stoppage of
the brake shafts will be detected. If the stoppage
lasts for more than a predetermined small amount of
time, for example 1/10 of a second, the controller
commands an output of the minimum of 20 foot-pounds.
When motion is again detected and has exceeded a
small predetermined amount, for example three
degrees, the controller sets the appropriate
preselected torque corresponding to the direction of
the sensed motion, i.e. up~in or down~out. Setting
the torque to a minimum value upon detection of
stoppage is preferable to changing torque only on a
change of direction, because if the user has set a
high differential in torque for the two half-cycles,
a situation might occur when at the end of an
extension the user would not be able to start the
return contraction because the torque is too high.
IE the controller is waiting for a change of
direction before changing the torque, this may as a
practical matter prevent the user from starting the
return half-cycle. Setting to a nominally small
torque upon stoppage, then quickly to the preset
value on the return half-cycle avoids that problem.
At the end of a cycle, the controller calcu-
~..25~43
-32-
lates the number of repetitions per minute based on
the length oE time for the cycle as measured by the
real time reference for beginning and ending of the
cycle. The controller also calculates the energy, in
kilocalories, required for the half-cycle by noting
-the difference between the starting and stopping
positions of the sensor for the half-cycle (the
relationship of potentiometer voltage and brake shaft
angle being known), and multiplying by the set torque
for that half-cycle and the appropriate conversion
factor. The time rate of energy used (power) time
can be calculated since the real time for the cycle
is also measured. This is calculated in kilocalories
per hour and displayed. At the same time, the total
kilocalories of energy used for the exercise session,
since power on, is updated.
Different types of display are possible,
but for convenience the preferred embodiment uses
displays 240, 245 and 250 to display one quantity
during the first half-cycle and a separate, related
quantity during the second half-cycle of the exercise
cycle. Seecifically, display 240 displays the preset
torque corresponding to the current half-cycle.
Display 245 displays repetitions per minute on the
first half-cycle of the exercise cycle, and total
repetitions on the second half-cycle, with the
appropriate signal LED 233 or 234 indicating the
quantity being displayed. Similarly, display 250 is
used to show the rate of energy in kilocalories per
hour on the first half-cycle and the total
kilocalories shown on the second half-cycle, with the
corresponding LED 235 or 236. Obviously, separate
displays could be used for these functions, or an
operator adjustable mode selection switch could be
~2S~24~3
-33-
provided, but this technique is believed to be more
advantageous since it uses fewer displays while still
giving full information and not requiring operator
action.
If desired, the operator can reset the total
repetitions and total energy by pushing the appropri-
ate reset keys.
Referring now to Figs. 13A-13C, a flowchart
for the programming for microprocessor 210 is
indicated. Upon occurrence of initial power up, or
upon occurrence of a reset due to the time-out of
watchdog timer 296, control begins as indicated by
reference number 301 in Fig. 13. control then
proceeds to block 302 for system initialization.
Specifically, the displays are zeroed, the
accumulated repetitions and kilocalories are zeroed,
and the minimum value of 20 foot-pounds of torque is
commanded to the brakes. Control then passes to the
decision block of the flowchart indicated by
reference number 303. the 60 Hz input from lead 392
is tested. If low, control loops back and the
~rocessor waits for a high input. When that occurs
control passes to block 304. The real time is then
updated, which, of course, occurs every cycle of the
60 Hz input so that the real time is available for
calculations. The time is also accumulated for the
present direction of motion of the brakes, i.e.
up/down or in/out as the case may be.
Control then passes to block 305, where the
present brake position is read from potentiometer 270
through ~ to D converter 212. This brake position
value will subsequently be used for detecting
occurrence of end of a half-cycle, but certain other
tasks are performed first. Decision block 310 and
3 ~542~3
-34-
control blocks 311 and 312 are used in conjunction
with the watchdog one shot 296 of Fig. 12, to guard
against malfunction. It is theoretically possible
that some error condition for example caused by
electrical interference or the like could cause
faulty data or instruction bits to occur, and the
watchdog feature protects against system hang-up.
Also, at decision block 310 if an incorrect torque
value, i.e. one below 20 foot-eounds or one higher
than 200 foot-pounds, is present, control branches to
block 311 which causes waiting until a reset occurs
from the watchdog time-out. If an approeriate value
is found at decision block 310, control passes to
block 312 which causes a strobe output on line 295 of
Fig. 12 to the watchdog one shot 296. In normal
operation, the microprocessor will pass all the way
through the entire flow chart of Fig. 13 and return
to block 312 prior to the time-out value of one shot
296, with the result that the watchdog one shot is
continually reset and never times out. However, if
control has passed to block 311 as previously
described, or if due to some faulty instruction
caused by interference or errors, the program has
hung up at some point, re-strobing of the watchdog
will not occur and it will time-out, resulting in a
reset and new initialization, at blocks 301 and 302
above.
In normal operation, following the strobing
of the watchdog at block 312, control passes to block
313 in which the keyboard is scanned for key
activation. If a numerical key activation occurs,
the corresponding numbers are accumulated for use in
setting a torque value for the corresponding
half-cycle. If a reset key for total repetitions or
-35_ P254243
total energy burn is depressed, then the appropriate
value is reset to zero. If there is a change in a
torque value or if total repetitions or energy has
been reset, the appropriate change is made in the
diselay at blocks 314 and 31!5. Control then passes
to block 316 which time out ,and clears any keyboard
entries older than 8 seconds without deeression of a
direction key.
At decision block 317, the 60 Hz input from
lead 292 is again tested, this time for a low
condition. If it is not low, control loops back and
waits until the input does go low. Then control
passes to a decision block 318 which tests whether
brake movement has occurred. This is done by reading
the present brake position, which was done in control
block 305, and comparing it to the previous value.
If movement has occurred, this means that the preset
cycle, i.e. extension or retraction as the case may
be, is still occurring, and control easses to control
block 321. If the answer at decision block 318 is
no, this means that the brake is stopped and control
passes to decision block 319 which tests whether the
brake has been stopped for more than a predetermined
value, 1/10 of a second being used in the preferred
embodiment. If not, control is passed again to
decision block 303 on Fig. 13A, and the cycle just
described for reading a new position etc. is
repeated. Eventually control returns again to
decision block 319 and if there has been more than
1/10 of a second without movement, control block 320
causes commanding of the output torque to the minimum
setting oE 20 foot-pounds. Control then returns to
decision block 303 and the processor stays in the
loop just described until eventually brake movement
-- ~25~24~3
-36-
occurs again and is detected at decision block 318.
Control then passes to clock 321. If there has been
a change of directions, calculations for repetition
rate, total repetitions, energy burn rate and total
energy are updated.
If the calculations are completed or if
there was no change of direction, control passes to
block 322, where the appropriate torque for the
present direction of motion is output to the brakes.
Thus, if the user stops during a cycle then continues
in the same direction, the torque will first drop to
the default value, but then will return to the
selected value for that direction. If the user stops
then starts back on the return half-cycle, torque is
first set to the default value then quickly set to
the preselected value for the return cycle. After
control block 322, control passes again to decision
block 303 and the process continues as described
above.
While the flowchart of Fig. 13 is one way of
programming the controller to achieve the desired
result, many variations and alternatives are equally
possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art.
Operation of the Exercise Machine
Applicant believes that exercise machine 2
according to the present invention is versatile to an
unprecedented degree. One machine 2 allows the user
thereof to properly isolate and exercise most of the
major muscle groups of the body and, in fact, can do
a number of exercises which before required entirely
separate or unduly cumbersome machines. All of the
~2X~Za~3
-37-
exercises which machine 2 is capable of performing
will be described in conjunction with Figs. 14-22.
For the purpose of clarity only brakes 62, and not
carriages 66 are shown. Of course, ea~h of the
brakes 62 in each exercise must have its resistance
programmed and controlled in the manners previously
described with respect to operation of controller 200.
Referring first to Fig. 14, machine 2 is
shown with back rest 24 flat allowing the user to lie
on his back to perform a hip and back exercise which
is effective on the gluteus maximus and hamstring
muscles. The user desirably holds the hand grips 41
while performing this and other exercises all as
shown in the drawings or as a matter of personal
preference. Each brake 62 is positioned as shown
with its output shaft 64 horizontal. Attachment 120
is then coupled to brake shaft 62 using either of the
connection means described in Figs. 9-11. The normal
initial position of attachment 120 for this exercise
will be generally in a raised position, as shown in
engagement with the user's right leg with leg roller
124 generally in back of the knee and strap 126
secured around the top of the user's leg. To
exercise, the user then presses downwardly with his
leg to rotate attachment 120 to its horizontal
position as shown generally by the left leg. When
the user raises his leg in a return movement,
attachment 120 is carried back to its initial
position by strap 126. The legs may be alternately
raised and lowered in this motion as shown in Fig. 14
or may be raised and lowered simultaneously.
Fig. 15 shows machine 2 set up for a leg
extension exercise which is effective on the frontal
thighs or quadriceps. In this exercise, brakes 62
-38- ~2S'~43
are somewhat further down side members 6 and
attachments 120 are now coupled thereto so that their
initial position will be one where they hang
generally vertically downwardly. The user then sits
partially upright on support bench 20, i.e. back rest
24 is raised, with his legs hanging downwardly over
seat 22 and again holds hand grips 41. the user
places his ankles behind leg rollers 124 and secures
straps 126 around the back of his legs. He then
simultaneously raises both legs to rotate attachment
120 from its initial position in which it is
generally horizontal. Fig. 15 illustrates the legs
when they are relatively close to this horizontal
position.
Fig. 16 shows machine 2 set up for a leg
curl exercise which is effective on the hamstrings.
In this exercise, attachment 120 is generally
horizontal in its initial position and extends out
from brake 62 away from seat 22. The user lies face
down on support bench 20, i.e. back rest 24 is flat
again, with his legs underneath rollers 124. Straps
126 are secured around the front of his legs. He
then bends or curls his legs upwardly to raise the
rollers from their first horizontal position to the
second generally vertical position shown in Fig. 16.
The exercises shown in Figs. 15 and 16
involve exercises in which the user bends his legs
about substantially horizontal pivot axes through the
knees. Brakes 62 are positioned on side frame
members 6 so that their output shafts 64 generally
align with the knee joints. However, there is a
desirable set of exercises in which the legs are
exercised by a scissors-type pivoting motion through
the generally vertical axes extending through the
~2S~2~L~
-39-
hips and buttocks. These exercises are known as the
leg abduction and adduction exercises and are shown
being performed in Fig. 17. For this exercise,
brakes 62 are still on the lower portion of the side
frame members 6, but have been pivoted to their
horizontal position so that braXe shafts 64 now
extend generally vertically and are located beneath
the buttocks. In addition, another attachment 143 is
now coupled to the shaft of each brake. Attachment
143 is of the same general construction as attachment
120 (i.e. a sleeve and elongated bar), but uses two,
upwardly facing, U-shaped leg cradles 144 spaced
along the length of the attachment bar as opposed to
the leg roller 124. Each leg of the user fits
between the opposed side pads of cradles 144 as shown
in Fig. 17.
Referring now to Fig. 17, machine 2 is shown
set up for performing leg abduction and adduction
exercises which are effective both on the muscles of
the inner thighs and outer hips. The exercises may
be performed in two ways determined by the initial
position of attachment 143. One way is for the user
to start with his legs spread apart as shown in Fig.
17. He then closes his legs together against the
resistance of brakes 62 by bearing inwardly against
the inner pads on each of cradles 144. The legs may
then be spread apart to reset attachments 143 to
their initial orientation. When the major resistance
force is encountered when the operator closes his
legs as just described, it is particularly efective
for exercising the inner thigh muscles. The other
way for performing these exercises is basically the
reverse of that just described. In other words, the
initial positions for attachments 143 are closed
_40_ ~25~2~3
together and the major resistance is applied as the
user attempts to spread his legs apart to open them
into the position shown in F;g. 17. When this is the
case, this exercise is earticularly effective for
exercising the muscles of the outer hips, such as the
gluteus medius muscles.
This completes the description of the lower
body exercises which machine 2 is primarily designed
to accomplish. Consideration will now be given to
various upper body exercises which may be performed.
For such exercises each of the brakes 62 is moved
upwardly along the curve of side frame member 6 to be
positioned in generally appropriate spots as
illustrated in the following drawings. Each brake 62
is moved individually and is lined up with the other
brake by eye. It would be possible for each side
frame member 6 to have a scale or indicia thereon
which would assist the user in placing each brake 62
at generally the same vertical elevation along side
frame members 6.
Referring now to Fig. 1, attachment 119 is
used for many of the arm and chest exercises. It
again includes a sleeve 145 which is secured and an
outwardly extending arm or bar 146 which is secured
Z5 to brake shaft 64 similarly to that of attachment
120. The end of arm 146 includes a U-shaped handle
147 having top and bottom grips 148 and 149. Handle
147 may be attached to arm `146 in one of several
holes, depending on the size of the user. Use of the
attachment 119 for various exercises will now be
described.
Fig. 18 shows machine 2 set up for perform-
ing a chest press-type exercise which is effective
for exercising the muscles of the chest and shoulders.
~25~L24~
-41-
Brakes 62 have been moved up side frame members 6 to
the positions shown and attachments 119 are coupled
to each brake. The initial or starting position of
the attachments 119 are in close proximity to the
body with the arms being bent or cocked. The user
then grabs handles 147 on each attachment 119 and
pushes out away from him to extend his arms straight
out into the position shown in Fig. 18. Because
attachments 119 rotate on shafts 64, handles 147 do
not move purely in a linear relationship to the body,
but will follow a slight arc generally represented by
the arrows B. However, the amount of such an arc can
be minimized by appropriate longitudinal positioning
of supeort bench 20 on frame 4 relative to the
position of brakes 62 such that the arc closely
simulates a straight-line linear pushing motion.
While Fig. 18 shows the chest press exercise being
performed with the user in a partially upright
position, the user could lie flat and perform the
same type of exercise with a repositioning of the
brakes 62 and attachments 119.
~ igs. 19 and 20 disclose, respectively,
machine 2 set up for performing a biceps curl
exercise and a triceps extension exercise. The brake
shafts 64 are aligned with the pivot through the
elbows. In this exercise, a flat pad or plate 150 is
suitably releasably connected eithar to support bench
20 or to brake cases 63 in any suitable manner so as
to overlie the abdomen of the user. Plate 150 helps
the user properly isolate the biceps and triceps
muscles while doing these exercises. Basically, in
the biceps curl shown in Fig. 19, the user grips top
grips 148 oE handle 147 and curls his arms upwardly
from the body to a final position close to the body.
~ ~5~243
-42-
Having accomplished this portion of the exercise, the
user may then do the triceps extension shown in Fig.
20. This exercise involves releasing the top hand
grips 148 and rotating the hands 90 to bear on edge
against the lower hand grips 149 of attachment 119.
The user then rotates his arms downwardly to extend
them from the position in which they are close to his
body to a position in which they are are again spaced
away from his body as shown in Fig. 19. ~ttachment
119 could have a longitudina:L pad or support surface
connected to or adjacent lower hand grip 149 for
further helping support the edge of the user's hands
in the triceps extension exercise,
Referring now to Fig. 21, machine 2 is shown
set up for performing an arm pull-over exercise which
is particularly effective for exercising the
latissimus dorsi muscles. In this exercise, the user
is again supported in a partially upright position
and brakes 62 have been moved further up side frame
members 6 until the shaft 64 aligns with the shoulder
joint. The initial position for each of the
attachments 119 is now one in which they point
generally vertically upwardly. The user grips one of
the hand grips 148 or 149 on handle 147 and then
pulls his arms downwardly from the first or initial
position shown in Fig. 21 to a second position or
final position in which the arms have been rotated
about 180~ to lie close along the sides of the body.
This range of movement is represented by the arrow C.
Finally, Fig. 22 again illustrates the
versatility of exarcise machine 2. Brakes 62 are
pivoted again into their horizontal position with
their axes pointing generally vertically although
they are now on the upper portions of side frame
-43- ~25~43
members 6. In such a position, a fourth attachment
152 is illustrated which includes a bar 153 for
coueling through the aforementioned sleeve to the
output shaft of the brake. The lower end of the bar
153 includes a rearwardly facing arm cradle 154
having inner and outer pads between which the arm of
the user is received. The user's hands can grip bars
153 adjacent arm cradle 154 or a separate handle
could be provided on bars 153 ~or the user's hand to
grip. In any event, the user is now able to perform
an arm cross exercise which is particularly effective
for exercising many of the muscles of the chest, such
as the pectoralis majors and the deltoids. The
initial position of attachments 153 is shown in Fig.
22. The exercise may be performed by closing the
arms together in a scissors fashion pivoting them
about the vertical axes through the shoulders. The
arms can then be spread back apart to the initial
position, thus exercising the trapezius muscles of
the upper back.
It should be apparent at a glance that
exercise machine 2 is quite versatile. It uses a
resistance means comprising two brakes 62 for
performing many different exercise movements which
properly isolate and exercise specific muscle
groups. Moreover, it does this while the user is
supported in the position which is generally
considered to be the optimum position for performing
each such exercise. In this regard, support bench 20
can be moved longitudinally along rail 10 to help
position the user properly for the different
exercises. In addition, back rest 24 which may be
inclined relative to seat 22 allows the user to be
supported in a sitting position substantially upright
- ~ 25a~243
for performing many of the exercises, but also allows
the user to lie flat for certain other exercises.
Both the amount support bench Z0 is slid forwardly or
back on rail 20, and also the amount of inclination
of back rest 24, is dictated by the exercise to be
performed and the personal preference of the user.
Accordingly, the user will be more inclined to
utilize machine 2 and will derive more benefit
therefrom.
It has been noted previously that side
frame members 6 are inclined slightly outwardly as
thay rise from top to bottom. The reason why this is
significant can be seen primarily with respect ~o the
leg abduction and adduction exercise and arm cross
exercise in which brakes 62 are horizontal with their
pivot axes being generally vertical. In Fig. 17, the
pivot axes defined by brake shafts 64 are desirably
located immediately beneath the hip joints while in
Fig. 22 the pivot axes are desirably aligned with the
shoulder joints. However, the shoulders in most
people are spaced farther apart than are the hip
joints. Thus, the use of outwardly inclined side
frame members 6 automatically lines up the pivot axes
of the brakes with the pivot axes of the body parts
since the brakes will have their pivot axes spaced
farther apart in the upper position shown in Fig. 22
than in the lower position of Fig. 17. This insures
the proper orientation of brakes 62 relative to the
body while doing these exercises.
Moreover, the generally arcuate curve
disclosed for side frame members 6 and shown in Fig.
2 is also important for much the same reason.
Referring to the two positions of the brake shown in
Fig. 2, ancl keeping in mind that the pivot axes are
- ~254243
-45-
pointing vertically upwardly when brakes 62 are
horizontal rather than vertical as shown in Fig. 2,
the leg abduction and adduction exercises are
performed in Fig. 17 with the user being seated
generally in an upright position. It is desired that
the pivot axes of the brake pass generally vertically
upwardly through his buttocks and hip joints.
However, in the arm cross exercise shown in Fig. 22,
the pivot axes should be oriented generally along the
lQ plane extending through the shoulders and hips to be
generally parallel to the upper part of the body and
should not be skewed or inclined relative thereto.
Because brakes 62 are mounted on arcuate side frame
members 6, the arcuate curve automatically tips or
inclines the generally vertically oriented brake axes
so that they will be substantially parallel to the
upper body of a user who is supported in a partially
upright position when performing the arm cross
exercise. Thus, the term "generally vertical" as
used herein means simply that the brake axes are
pointing more toward the vertical than the
horizontal. Thus, in Fig. 22 the brake axes are not
purely vertical, but are inclined somewhat to the
vertical to be parallel to the body of the user, but
can be still said to be "generally vertical".
Aerobic Exercise Usinq Machine 2
The primary use of exercise machine 2 is
certainly as an anaerobic exerciser in which muscle
capacity and size is increased using the exercises
described or any combination or sequence of them
which is desirable to the user. However, Applicant
believes that it would be possible to also use
~Z542~3
-46-
exercise machine 2 as an aerobic exercise device since
movement of the attachments and the brake shafts do
not create any substantial inertial forces. Thus, it
would be possible for a user to sit, for example, in
the position of the arm cross exercise shown in Fig.
22 and set the force levels on brakes 62 relatively
low in both phases or directions of the exercise
movements. He could then fairly rapidly rotate his
arms back and forth in a continuous fashion with a
very large number of repetitions. He could do this
sufficiently fast to elevate his heart rate into the
recommended range for aerobic benefit and could keep
this up for a sufficient length of time to derive the
aerobic benefit. Again, this would be possible since
there are no substantial inertial forces which must
be resisted when the direction of rotation of the
attachments changes. This is unlike a weight stack
device, or other exercise machines of that type,
since the inertial forces im~osed by the weight stack
going in one direction would not allow a rapid
universal and accompanying return motion. However,
when it is desired purely to perform anaerobic
exercise, it would be possible for the user to simply
set the force levels on brakes 62 into the ranges
required for such exercise, i.e. at higher force
levels and in the manner previously described with
respect to controller 200, and use a correspondingly
lower number of repetitions.
The foregoing description has detailed the
preferred embodiment of an exercise machine 2
according to this invention. Obviously, many
variations and modifications are possible and would
be within the skill of those in the art. Accord-
ingly, the scope of this invention is to be limited
only by thle appended claims.
