Bi-directional resistance exercise apparatus

Abstract

Bi-directional resistance exercise apparatus designed to offer resistance to opposing muscle groups. The apparatus provides continuous and sequential resistance during the extension and flexion phases. The apparatus includes a controller including a graphic display. Resistance is provided by a variable resistance element such as a magnetic brake. A chair or other body supporting devices support the user depending on the exercise being performed. Force is applied by the user to a rotatable limb or torso retaining member and is transferred to the shaft of the magnetic brake. The brake applies variable resistance determined by the software instructions issued by the controller. The resistance levels can be pre-programmed or specifically selected by the user. The brake force varies instantaneously during the flexion and extension phases based on the angular position of the input shaft. A record of the exercise activity can be stored and displayed by the microprocessor controller.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Provisional Applications—No. 60 / 585 / 448 filing date Jul. 06, 2004—Title “Bidirectional Exercise Apparatus [0002] No. 60 / 19,611 filing date Oct. 18, 2004 Title “Adjustment Mechanisms for Exercise Equipment. [0003] No. 60 / 619613 filing date Oct. 18, 2004 Title “Firmware Design For Bidirectional Exercise Equipment. [0004] Certified Mail Number 7003 1680 0004 1550 6534, Filing Date Jun. 23, 2004 Title “Improved Bidirectional Exercise Apparatus”STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0005] Not Applicable DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX [0006] Prior Art Copies—F. Joutras et Al U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,621, M. Anjanappa U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,403, Jones U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,089, Hamlin U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,690, Lapcevie U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,726, Woods U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,270, Carlson U.S. Pat. No. D303,696 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0007] This invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment and more specifically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The primary object of the invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that allows bi-directional resistance during use.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise apparatus that produces balanced muscle development of opposing muscle groups.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are deficiencies in the above mentioned prior art in that none of the prior art incorporates a programmably controlled bi-directional resistance element built into specific pieces of exercise equipment where a resistance element such as a magnetic brake provides repeatable and instantly variable resistance and where a single repetition or sequence of cycles of repetitions of extension and flexion of two opposing muscle groups can be instantly adjusted in varying degrees depending on the location of the limb or torso being exercised.

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