Resistance band exercise machine

Abstract

A resistance band exercise machine for performing various exercises. An embodiment includes a housing for a cable-pulley variable resistance system. Some embodiments are configured to receive one or more safety bars to set a starting position of an exercise. Some embodiments include a training partner assistantship feature for a training partner to assist the user by imparting a secondary force on the machine. The configuration of the cable-pulley variable resistance system may be in any manner based on the exercise. In some embodiments, a user performs an exercise on the resistance band exercise machine to overcome a primary (e.g., resistance bands) and secondary (e.g., springs) sources of variably increasing resistance from the cable-pulley variable resistance system.

Claims

1. A resistance member exercise machine, the exercise machine comprising: a first resistance attachment member secured to a cable-pulley system, wherein the first resistance attachment member is configured to temporarily receive one or more variable resistance members; the cable-pulley system including a cable operably connected to a user-interaction element through which a user can impart a force to cause the first resistance attachment member to move; the first resistance attachment member configured to translate along a length of a guide rail; the guide rail further including: a first end, a second end, and the length extending therebetween; at least one safety bar attachment point along the length of the guide rail between the first and second ends of the guide rail; wherein at least one safety bar reduces a range of motion and sets a starting position of the first resistance attachment member when the at least one safety bar is secured to the at least one safety bar attachment point between the first and second ends of the guide rail; a second resistance attachment member fixed to a base structure of the resistance member exercise machine, wherein the second resistance attachment member is configured to temporarily receive the one or more variable resistance members; wherein the first resistance attachment member is configured to move away from the second resistance attachment member when force is imparted onto the user-interaction element that is greater than a resistance force of the one or more variable resistance members secured to both the first resistance attachment member and the second resistance attachment member; and a training partner assistantship feature operably connected to the first resistance attachment member, wherein the training partner assistantship feature is configured to allow another user to impart a force onto the first resistance attachment member via the training partner assistantship feature.

2. The machine of claim 1, further including an exercise platform, wherein the cable extends below or through the exercise platform and is accessible through a top surface of the exercise platform such that the user can engage the cable as needed.

3. The machine of claim 2, wherein the user-interaction element is a user-wearable device configured to connect to the cable to allow the user to perform push-up exercises in the prone position with their hands on the exercise platform to overcome resistance force from the one or more variable resistance members.

4. The machine of claim 1, further including a secondary resistance member configured to apply a secondary resistance force on the first resistance attachment member when the first resistance attachment member reaches a predetermined distance from the second end of the guide rail.

5. The machine of claim 4, wherein the secondary resistance member is one or more springs.

6. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first resistance attachment member is a plate-like structure having a hook-shaped structure.

7. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first resistance attachment member is further configured to translate along a second guide rail.

8. The machine of claim 1, wherein the guide rail includes a multitude of apertures longitudinally spaced about the length of the guide rail and configured to receive the at least one safety bar.

9. The machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more variable resistance members are elastic resistance bands.

10. The machine of claim 1, wherein the training partner assistantship feature includes a lifting arm with a handle grip and/or a shoulder padding.

11. The machine of claim 1, further including: a first hook on the first resistance attachment member; a second hook on the second resistance attachment member; and whereby the one or more variable resistance members are configured to be looped around the first and second hooks.

12. A resistance member exercise machine, the exercise machine comprising: a first resistance attachment member secured to a cable-pulley system, wherein the first resistance attachment member is configured to temporarily receive one or more elastic resistance bands; the cable-pulley system including a cable operably connected to a user-interaction element through which a user can impart a force to cause the first resistance attachment member to move; the first resistance attachment member configured to translate along a length of a guide rail; the guide rail further including: a first end, a second end, and the length extending therebetween; a multitude of apertures longitudinally spaced about the length of the guide rail between the first and second ends of the guide rail, each aperture configured to receive at least one safety bar; wherein the at least one safety bar reduces a range of motion and sets a starting position of the first resistance attachment member when the at least one safety bar is secured between the first and second ends of the guide rail; a second resistance attachment member fixed to a base structure of the resistance member exercise machine, wherein the second resistance attachment member is configured to temporarily receive the one or more elastic resistance bands; wherein the first resistance attachment member is configured to move away from the second resistance attachment member when force is imparted onto the user-interaction element that is greater than a resistance force of the one or more elastic resistance bands secured to both the first resistance attachment member and the second resistance attachment member; and a training partner assistantship feature operably connected to the first resistance attachment member, wherein the training partner assistantship feature is configured to allow another user to impart a force onto the first resistance attachment member via the training partner assistantship feature.

13. The machine of claim 12, further including an exercise platform, wherein the cable extends below or through the exercise platform and is accessible through a top surface of the exercise platform such that the user can engage the cable as needed.

14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the user-interaction element is a user-wearable device configured to connect to the cable to allow the user to perform push-up exercises in the prone position with their hands on the exercise platform to overcome resistance force from the one or more elastic resistance bands.

15. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first resistance attachment member is a plate-like structure having a hook-shaped structure.

16. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first resistance attachment member is further configured to translate along a second guide rail.

17. The machine of claim 12, further including a secondary resistance member configured to apply a secondary resistance force on the first resistance attachment member when the first resistance attachment member reaches a predetermined distance from the second end of the guide rail.

18. The machine of claim 12, further including: a first hook on the first resistance attachment member; a second hook on the second resistance attachment member; and whereby the one or more elastic resistance bands are configured to be looped around the first and second hooks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A to 1E show a perspective view of resistance band exercise machine and in start position of an exercise's range of motion in accordance with one embodiment.

(3) FIGS. 1F to 1L show a perspective view of resistance band exercise machine and in start position of an exercise's range of motion in accordance with another embodiment.

(4) FIGS. 1M to 1P show a perspective view of resistance band exercise machine and in start position of an exercise's range of motion in accordance with another embodiment.

(5) FIGS. 2A to 2D show resistance band exercise machine in start, mid, and end positions of an exercise's range of motion in accordance with another embodiment.

(6) FIGS. 3A to 3C show a method of reducing an exercise's range of motion and method of performing isometrics in resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(7) FIGS. 4A to 4D show a method of adding a secondary source of variably increasing resistance thata user contracts against towards the end position of an exercise in addition to a primary source of variably increasing resistance that a user contracts against from start to end position of an exercise in resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(8) FIGS. 5A to 5C show interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine through a fullrange of motion exercise in accordance with another embodiment.

(9) FIGS. 6A to 6C show a method of reducing an exercise's range of motion and method of performing isometrics with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine inaccordance with another embodiment.

(10) FIGS. 7A to 7C show interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine through a fullrange of motion exercise using primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance in accordance with another embodiment.

(11) FIGS. 8A to 8F show a method of performing a negative full range of motion repetition only with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(12) FIGS. 9A to 9F show a method of performing a negative full range of motion repetition only with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(13) FIGS. 10A to 10C show a method of performing a negative partial range of motion repetition only and method of performing isometrics with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(14) FIGS. 11A to 11D show a method of performing a negative partial range of motion repetition only and method of performing isometrics with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(15) FIGS. 12A to 12C show a method of performing a negative partial range of motion repetition only with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

(16) FIGS. 13A to 13F show another method of reducing an exercise's range of motion and method of performing isometrics with interaction between user and resistance band exercise machine in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(18) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(19) The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” and the like generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one implementation. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different embodiments.

(20) Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1E, an exemplary embodiment of a resistance band exercise machine 100 is disclosed. The resistance band exercise machine has a cable-pulley variable resistance system housing 102 and a cable-pulley variable resistance system 104. The cable-pulley variable resistance system has a top plate 106 (generally referred to as a “first attachment member”) with a resistance band hook 108 welded, bolted, or connected in any manner to the underside of the top plate. Another resistance band hook 108 (generally referred to as a “second attachment member”) is secured to the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing beneath the top plate's resistance band hook on the lower frame member. There can be multiple resistance band hooks.

(21) The cable-pulley variable resistance system has one or more guide rails. The exemplary figures depict the one or more guide rails as a pair of uprights 110 welded, bolted, or connected in any manner to the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing and positioned such that the top plate rests on a pair of safety bars 112 when inserted into a safety bar hole 114.

(22) Belts, cables, cams, pulleys, or any combination thereof may be used in the cable-pulley variable resistance system. The configuration of the cable-pulley variable resistance system may be in any arrangement based on the exercise. Since different exercises have different ranges of motion, the number of safety bar holes will vary. Also, the safety bars determine the starting position of an exercise. The cable-pulley variable resistance system has a primary source of variably increasing resistance (elastic resistance band 116) that is looped around the resistance band hooks as shown in FIG. 1C-1D. The cable-pulley variable resistance system may or may not have a pair of guide rods 148. This means that without the pair of guide rods the top plate will not have a shaft collar 150. A joined safety bar 118 may be used instead for convenience as shown in FIG. 1E. All types of resistance bands as well as springs may be used as a primary source of variably increasing resistance with the resistance band exercise machine.

(23) On one side of the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing is a container 120 to hold items such as towels, cleaning agent spray bottle, water bottle, resistance bands, safety bars, etc. The material of the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing may be made of stainless steel or any other material known in the art.

(24) Referring now to FIGS. 1F-1L, another exemplary embodiment of a resistance band exercise machine 100 is disclosed. This exemplary embodiment is the same as the one above shown in FIGS. 1A-1E with the addition of a training partner assistantship feature to the cable-pulley variable resistance system of having an input lifting arm 122 with a handle grip 124 that is welded, bolted, or connected in any manner to the top plate. Alternatively, the input lifting arm may have a shoulder padding 126 or both as shown in FIGS. 1K and 1L, respectively.

(25) Referring now to FIGS. 1M-1P, another exemplary embodiment of a resistance band exercise machine 100 is disclosed. This exemplary embodiment is the same as the one above shown in FIGS. 1F-1L but with a different training partner assistantship feature of having a training partner assistantship cable-pulley system 128. The training partner assistantship cable-pulley system has an exercise handle attachment 130 on one end and a snap link hook 132 that connects to an O ring 134 on the other end that is welded or connected in any manner to the top plate. Any exercise handle attachment may be used.

(26) Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, an exercise is performed through a full range of motion from start to end position stretching the resistance band without the help of a training partner 136.

(27) Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the training partner inserts additional pair of safety bars 112 into the safety bar hole after an exercise is performed to the end position to reduce the exercise's range of motion and perform isometrics.

(28) Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, another exemplary embodiment of a resistance band exercise machine 100 is disclosed. The cable-pulley variable resistance system has the resistance band and a secondary source of variably increasing resistance (springs 168). An exercise is performed through a full range of motion from start to end position contracting against the resistance band then the springs approaching end position of an exercise. The springs are placed on the top plate into a recessed spring pocket 170 with another recessed spring pocket on the upper frame member of the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing to keep the springs in place at the end position of an exercise. The addition of the springs to the resistance band increases the variability in resistance level from start to end position of an exercise matching the user's muscle group strength curve. The springs may be placed on top where the recessed spring pocket is on the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing and held in place by any means known in the art. A plurality of springs from the cable-pulley variable resistance system may be used in the resistance band exercise machine and placement of the recessed spring pocket may be anywhere on the top plate and the cable-pulley variable resistance system housing. Any means known in the art other than the recessed spring pocket to keep the springs in place may be used in the resistance band exercise machine.

(29) The resistance band exercise machine includes, but is not limited to, exercises from U.S. patent application publication 20190374814-A1. The resistance band exercise machine applies to all other exercises targeting different muscle groups in the human body.

(30) The exercise from U.S. patent application publication 20190374814-A1 is shown in FIGS. 5-13 as an example of interaction between a user 162 and the resistance band exercise machine.

(31) Operation—FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13

(32) The user performs the exercise with their hands on a platform 154 through full range of motion for a number of repetitions on the resistance band exercise machine against the resistance band that is variably increasing in resistance from start to end position of the exercise by wearing a harness or belt 164 having snap link hook suspended from it and configured to connect to a cable 142 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. When the user cannot perform another full range of motion repetition, the training partner inserts the safety bars into the safety bar hole to reduce the exercise's range of motion as shown in FIG. 6A. The user performs a number of partial range of motion repetitions and the training partner inserts the safety bars into the safety bar hole so that

(33) the user can perform isometrics against the safety bars when they cannot perform another partial range of motion repetition as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. The user may begin the exercise with reduced range of motion by first performing a full range of motion repetition so that the training partner can insert the safety bars into the safety bar hole.

(34) The user can add the springs by placing them on the top plate into the recessed spring pocket to perform the exercise through a full range of motion from start to end position contracting against the resistance band then the springs approaching the end position of the exercise as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C.

(35) The user can perform full range of motion negative repetitions (lowering phase of an exercise; eccentric muscle contraction) only using training partners. One training partner lifts the user using a strap 138 with a strap handle grip 140 in this particular exercise because it's a bodyweight exercise while the other training partner assists by performing a much more powerful exercise than the exercise the user is going to perform to set the user to the end position of the exercise in order to perform full range of motion negative repetitions only. The powerful exercise the training partner performs in this scenario is deadlifts using an input lifting arm 122 with a handle grip 124 like one performing deadlifts using a trap bar or also known as hex bar as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F. In other non-bodyweight exercises, one training partner assisting by performing a more powerful exercise than the exercise the user will perform will be enough. In the absence of a training partner assistantship feature of having an input lifting arm 122 with a handle grip 124, the training partner may help the user get into the end position of an exercise by any means using exercise machine features for user to perform full range of motion negative repetitions only. Because the resistance band variably increases in resistance from start to end position of an exercise, it is easier to assist the user to get into the end position of an exercise than if fixed amounts of weights were used.

(36) FIGS. 9A-9F, show another way the user can perform full range of motion negative repetitions only using training partners and the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system. In this scenario, the exercise the training partner performs is like pulling a rope as in a tug of war game. The difference between FIGS. 8A-8F and this is the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system. The configuration of the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system may be in any arrangement based on the exercise. With the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system, the direction of force applied by the training partner can be in any direction based on the configuration of the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system. This allows for any exercise to be performed by the training partner based on the configuration of the training partner assistantship cable-pulley system. Whereas in FIGS. 8A-8F, the direction of force applied by the training partner is upwards limiting the number of exercises that can be performed.

(37) When the user cannot perform another full range of motion negative repetition only as shown in FIGS. 8A-8F, the training partners assist by lifting the user and inserting the safety bars into the safety bar hole so the user can perform negative partial range of motion repetitions as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. When then user cannot perform another negative partial range of motion repetition, the user performs isometrics against the safety bars as shown in FIG. 10C. The user may begin the exercise performing partial range of motion repetitions and end the exercise performing isometrics against the safety bars by having the training partners assist by lifting the user and inserting the safety bars into the safety bar hole as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C.

(38) When the user cannot perform another full range of motion negative repetition only as shown in FIG. 9A-9F, the training partners assist by lifting the user and inserting the safety bars into the safety bar hole so the user can perform negative partial range of motion repetitions as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. When the user cannot perform another negative partial range of motion repetition, the user performs isometrics against the safety bars as shown in FIG. 11D. The user may begin the exercise performing partial range of motion repetitions and end the exercise performing isometrics against the safety bars by having the training partners assist by lifting the user and inserting the safety bars into the safety bar hole as shown in FIGS. 11A-11D.

(39) After the user is done performing partial range of motion repetitions and isometrics against the safety bars, the training partners can assist the user to perform negative partial range of motion repetitions as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C.

(40) FIGS. 13A-13F, show the training partner assisting the user to get into the end position of the exercise by performing squats using the input lifting arm and the shoulder padding then inserting the safety bars into the safety bar hole so the user can perform partial range of motion repetitions then end the exercise performing isometrics against the safety bars.

(41) TABLE-US-00001 Drawings-Reference Numerals 100 resistance band exercise 102 cable-pulley variable machine resistance system housing 104 cable-pulley variable resistance 106 top plate system 108 resistance band hook 110 uprights 112 safety bar hole 114 safety bars 116 resistance band 118 joined safety bar 120 container 122 input lifting arm 124 handle grip 126 shoulder padding 128 training partner assistantship 130 exercise handle attachment 132 snap link hook 134 O ring 136 training partner 138 strap 140 strap handle grip 142 cable 144 pulley 146 pulley mounts 148 guide rods 150 shaft collar 152 cable-to-top plate adapter 154 platform 156 hinge 158 cable stopper ball 160 cable thimble 162 user 164 harness or belt 166 rod 168 springs 170 recessed spring pocket

(42) Advantages

(43) From the description above, a number of advantages of my resistance band exercise machine become evident: 1) The user can perform full/partial range of motion push-up exercises in the prone position with their hands on the platform of the resistance band exercise machine against primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance. 2) The user can perform full/partial range of motion push-up exercises in the prone position with their hands on the platform of the resistance band exercise machine against primary source of variably increasing resistance with isometrics using safety bars. 3) The user can perform push-up exercises in the prone position with their hands on the platform of the resistance band exercise machine against primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance using full/partial range of motion negative repetitions only with the help of training partners. 4) The user can perform isolation (single-joint) and compound (multi-joint) movement exercises contracting against primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance in proper form utilizing cable pulley systems and the ergonomic/biomechanical design features of weightlifting exercise machines. This allows the user to contract against variably increasing resistance along the direction of the muscle group's muscle fibers. 5) The user can perform isolation (single-joint) and compound (multi-joint) movement exercises against primary source of variably increasing resistance through full/partial range of motion with isometrics using safety bars. 6) The user can perform isolation (single-joint) and compound (multi-joint) movement exercises against primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance using full/partial range of motion negative repetitions only with the help of training partners.

(44) Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

(45) Accordingly, the reader will see that the resistance band exercise machine allows a user to perform exercises including exercises from U.S. patent application publication 20190374814-A1 through dynamic motion (full range motion and partial range of motion), full/partial range of motion negative repetitions only using training partners, and static position (yielding isometrics and overcoming isometrics) using primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance as well as safety bars in one machine. Also, the user can quickly change the resistance level and multiple users can perform push-up exercises in the prone position together assisting one another with no muscular effort lost. In addition, the user can perform more repetitions in the strong range of motion (from mid to end position of an exercise) using primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance with the help of training partners. Furthermore, the resistance band exercise machine has the additional advantages in that: 1) It allows the user to perform exercises along the direction of the muscle group's muscle fibers with comfort and proper form using primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance, cable pulley system, and ergonomic/biomechanical design features of exercise machines. 2) It allows the user to train a muscle group to its maximum strength capability by increasing the variability in resistance level using primary and secondary sources of variably increasing resistance to match a muscle group's strength curve. 3) It allows the user to perform exercises using isometrics training protocol which is a combination of isometric and isotonic exercises in one machine. 4) It allows the user to perform more full/partial range of motion negative repetitions only against variably decreasing resistances from primary and secondary sources of resistances with the help of training partners.

(46) The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(47) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.