Dynamic active resistance training system

[0002] This invention relates generally to muscular strength enhancement and training, and more particularly to highly advantageous and simple training apparatus, and methods, embodying a number of unusual advantages.

[0003] In strength training there is always a search for ways to increase muscular power and strength. Machines have been designed to work every different muscle either through isolation of one muscle at a time or through working entire muscle groups. Machines have recently been built with selectorized weight stacks, allowing the user to select the amount of active weight with an easy pin adjustment. These machines offer good resistance when used in a slow manner, but have no way of keeping their resistance constant when an element of speed is present. Momentum is the result of speed with these machines. When momentum is present there is no work involved in the muscle negating the purpose of the machine. Also, momentum can be of high risk to muscles when changing the direction of weight imposition causing muscle tears.

[0004] Speed in movement present more “real life” to the machine user, since movement tends to be of a ballistic nature. As humans we walk, run, and play at sports, which require quick muscle contractions (concentric and eccentric). We do not move in slow motion, so it is more effective to train the body in such a way that it is more accustomed to our way of life. The limiting factor to training in this manner is the factor of momentum. In standard weight machines there is nothing to control this factor. There is need for control of this factor and for changing the way people strength-train, setting new standards.

[0005] It is a major object of the invention to provide apparatus and method to meet the above need. Basically, what is provided is a dynamic active resistance training attachment to a weight lifting system that will alleviate momentum, allowing the body to strength-train is a way that is safe, emulating more “real life” movements.

[0006] It is a further object to provide an assembly in association with at least one weight, the assembly comprising:

[0007] a) at least one generally upright guide supported by a base to extend near said at least one weight,

[0008] b) at least one elongated cord extending in proximity to the guide, the cord being resiliently stretchable and having a lower end retained relative to the base,

[0009] c) the cord having an upper end portion configured to be lifted with the weight, whereby the cord becomes resiliently stretched to resist such lifting.

[0010] The option of cord upper end effective attachment to, or detachment from the weight or weights is typically preserved.

[0011] As will be seen, the guide may be provided in the form of an upright housing for the elongated cord, to protect it during cord stretching and unstreching. A second upright housing may be employed, and second resiliently stretchable cord may be provided to extend within the second housing.

[0012] Another object is to locate the cords and cord housings proximate transversely spaced portions of a stack of liftable weights, for force balance during lifting.

[0013] A yet further object is to provide at least one hook to support a cord end portion; and as will be seen, the hook is typically spaced above the level of the guide, with retention means provided to extend transversely at the upper-end of said at least one weight to support said hook.

[0014] An additional object is to improve the already established selectorized strength machines by provision of an accessory as described, and that is easily installed and will provide a use or no use function. The apparatus may have a top bracket that will attach to the selectorized machine and will have a bottom bracket that will attach to the frame or base at the bottom of the machine's weight stack. The cords will run through housings that will attach to the bottom bracket. The housing or housings will terminate just below the top bracket or brackets, storing the cords until they are wanted for use. The cords can be easily utilized by simply attaching them to the top bracket anchor hooks of the upper plate on the selectorized machine. When the cords are not in use, they are conveniently stored in such housings that terminate just below the top bracket's anchor hooks.

[0015] Each resiliently stretchable cord will offer a different amount of resistance. Each apparatus can house multiple (for example three) cords. The cords will be different colors to distinguish their different levels of resistance.

[0016] It is a further object of the invention to provide a form of resistance that is constant with all weight lifting speeds in the concentric phase of the muscle, i.e. there will be constant force exerted by the stretched cord, even at times of rapid weight load reversal.

[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide progressive resistance to an already established constant resistance provided by the selectorized weight machines.

[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide options in the amount of progressive resistance by offering different amounts and levels of force integrity in the resistance cords.

[0019] It is a further object of the invention to provide a practical, inexpensive, accessory to existing selectorized strength machines.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front elevation showing a preferred form of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side elevation taken on lines 2—2 of FIG. 1, and showing details of the interior of a cord housing; and

[0023] FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged elevations taken at upper and lower ends of multiple cords.

[0024] In the drawings, a stack 10 of weights 10ais adapted to be raised and lowered by a rope or cable 11. A user may grasp and pull at 12 to exert force on the cable, which may pass over rollers 13. The weights extend transversely, and may contain vertical openings 10bto pass guide rails 14. The rails extend vertically, and their lower ends are connected to a lateral support 14athat supports the weight stack. A connector 16 extends upwardly from the center of the support, and is joined at 17 to the rope or cable, whereby the weight stack may be centrally raised and lowered via force exertion on the rope or cable.

[0025] In accordance with the invention, at least one guide is supported by a base 15, and extends upwardly rear or adjacent to the weight stack. At least one elongated cord extends in proximity to the guide, the cord or cords being resiliently stretchable, and having a lower end or ends attached to the guide or guides relative to which the weight or weights are movable. The guide or guides protect the cord during its vertical stretching.

[0026] In the example shown, which is preferred, there are two guides 20 that are laterally spaced apart, at opposite sides of the weight centers, the spacings 21 between each guide and the weight vertical center line being equal. The guides are in the form of hollow metallic housings, and at least one and preferably three stretchable cords 22 extends within each housing. See FIGS. 3 and 4. The lower ends of the housings are attached at 24 to the fixed base, and such attachment may be removable.

[0027] The cords have lower end portions attached to the housings within which they are located, or they may be attached to the fixed base. The cords have upper end portions configured to be operatively attached to the weight or weights that move up and down. Accordingly, as the weight or weights are lifted, the cords are resiliently stretched, if they are attached to the weight stack. The cords within each housing typically have different sizes or thicknesses, to provide selectively different resistance to stretch. FIG. 3 shows cord attachments to a bar 60 within a housing.

[0028] In the example, the upper ends of the cords form loops 27 seen in FIG. 4, and that can be selectively attached to hooks 28 carried by brackets 29 that fit over the top of an upper weight 10c. See FIG. 4. If any selected cord is to be used to add resistance to weight lifting, the cord upper end loop is fitted over the hook, whereas if a cord is not to be so used, its looping upper end portion is detached from its hook. In either event, the housing or guide for the cord maintain the cord upright, in untangled condition. The upper end of the cord housing may carry a protrusion 62 or protrussions, on which the cord loop or loops may be fitted when the cord is not attached to a hook.

[0029] The cords can be color coded, so that if, for example each housing contains three cords coded red, green and yellow, respectively, and the yellow coded cords have one stretch characteristic, the green coded cords have another stretch characteristic, and the red coded cords have a third stretch characteristic, the user has a wide selection of cords to be used, to obtain a selected or preferred modulated weight lifting characteristics, without needing to change the weights.