Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-27
2001-09-04
Mulcahy, John (Department: 3739)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
C482S094000, C482S097000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283898
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a machine used in weightlifting exercises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A weightlifter can benefit from the active involvement of a second person, commonly known as a spotter, during a weightlifting routine. This spotter serves two basic functions. The first is to prevent injury to the weightlifter. The second is to prolong the weightlifting exercise by providing aid to the weightlifter during the weightlifting repetitions. The second function allows the weightlifter to complete additional repetitions after his or her muscles have begun to fatigue. Completing repetitions with slightly fatigued muscles can help the weightlifter improve muscle stamina and increase muscle mass.
Many weightlifters face the drawback of not having skilled spotters to help them on a consistent basis. As a result, these weightlifters sometimes do not achieve the results they seek and grow disheartened with the sport. In response, weightlifting facilities staff trainers to whom all weightlifters have equal access. Unfortunately, it is impossible for only a few trainers to provide the services of a spotter to all these weightlifters at any one time.
In response to this drawback, inventors have designed user-controlled and microprocessor-controlled machines to serve both basic functions of a spotter. Most of these machines rely either on an electric motor to lift the weight or on a pneumatic device to vary the assistance to the exerciser, both in response to some form of an input from the exerciser.
A shortcoming of these machines is that they usually use cables. Unless the cables are continuously taut throughout the exercise, they can move suddenly, interfering with the exerciser's motion and causing discomfort.
Several of these machines also are not versatile enough to perform all the functions of a spotter. In particular, a machine that uses a motor to pull up a weight can not perform several certain functions of a spotter. A spotter can provide different amounts of assistance at different points in the exercise by applying different forces to the weight, while the exerciser applies the remainder of the force needed to counter gravity. Not until the very end of the exercise, if ever, does a spotter lift the weight out of the exerciser's hands. In theory, a motor can apply different forces as long as the voltage drop or the current across it can be varied. But in application, activating a motor turns a rotor, in turn (possibly through a transmission) lifting the weight on its own.
Machines with pneumatic devices unfortunately may require several seconds to vary the amount of assistance given to the exerciser, whereas a human spotter is able to provide the assistance immediately.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can perform the functions of a spotter with comfort, precision, and consistency. Therefore, a first objective is to be able to function without using cables. A second objective is to be able to apply various different forces to the exerciser's weight throughout a single routine, possibly including a force great enough to raise the weight without assistance from the exerciser. A third objective is to be able to vary this assistance quickly. A fourth objective is to be able to function without restricting the exerciser's range of motion. A fifth objective is to function in a manner that safe and visible.
The mechanical weightlifting machine of the invention comprises a support structure with an elevated pivot having a pivot axis. An articulating mechanism engaging the pivot has at least one articulating structure, and each the articulating structure has at least one lever arm. Each lever arm has a distal end on one side of the pivot with a connection device from which a depending link member is suspended. The depending link member has and end with means for engaging the bar of a weight. The articulating structure has an adjustment mechanism with a displaceable connection device with a counterweight that has an effective connection point locatable on the opposite side of the pivot. The adjustment mechanism has means for moving the displaceable connection device and thus the effective connection point relative to the axis of the pivot, wherein the leverage of the counterweight directed to the lever arm is adjusted. Actuation means can actuate the means for moving the displaceable connection device. A control device remote from the adjustment mechanism has control means for controlling the actuation means.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5411459 (1995-05-01), Hayden
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