Dual balance exercise apparatus

Abstract

A weight resistance exercise machine having cable and pulley linkage assemblies attached to a single weight stack. Each cable and pulley linkage assembly, which is independent of the other(s), can be used by one arm or leg during bilateral exercise training (that is, training in which both limbs of a pair are used to simultaneously to lift a weight). A tilt platform and biofeedback assembly display and measure in real-time how much each limb of a pair is contributing to such lifting effort.

Claims

1. An exercise assembly comprising: a) a frame; b) a single resistance source; c) a tilt platform pivotally attached to said single resistance source; d) a first pulley connected to said frame; e) a second pulley connected to said tilt platform; f) a first cable disposed around said first and second pulleys and connected to said frame; g) a third pulley connected to said frame; h) a fourth pulley connected to said tilt platform; and i) a second cable disposed around said third and fourth pulleys and connected to said frame.

2. The exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein a first tension force is applied to said first cable by a first limb, a second tension force is applied to said second cable by a second limb, and said first and second tension forces are independently imparted on said resistance source.

3. The exercise assembly of claim 2, wherein said tilt platform is adapted to visually display relative contributions of said first limb and said second limb simultaneously applying force on said single resistance source.

4. The exercise assembly of claim 1, wherein said single resistance source comprises a load.

5. The exercise assembly of claim 4, wherein said load comprises a plurality of vertically stackable plates.

6. An exercise assembly comprising: a) a frame; b) a single load; c) a tilt platform pivotally attached to said single load; d) a first linkage assembly comprising: i) a first pulley connected to said frame; ii) a second pulley connected to said tilt platform; e) a first cable having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein said distal end is anchored to said frame, and said first cable is disposed around said first and second pulleys of said first linkage assembly; f) a second linkage assembly comprising: i) a third pulley connected to said frame; ii) a fourth pulley connected to said tilt platform; and g) a second cable having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein said distal end is anchored to said frame, and said second cable is disposed around said third and fourth pulleys of said second linkage assembly.

7. The exercise assembly of claim 6, wherein said tilt platform is adapted to visually display relative contributions of a first limb applying a first tension force to said first cable and a second limb simultaneously applying a second tension force to said second cable.

8. The exercise assembly of claim 7, wherein said single load comprises a weight stack.

9. The exercise assembly of claim 8, wherein said weight stack comprises a plurality of vertically stackable plates.

10. The exercise assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a) a first tension meter disposed between said proximate and distal ends of said first cable, wherein said first tension meter is adapted to measure said first tension force applied to said first cable; and, b) a second tension meter disposed between said proximate and distal ends of said second cable, wherein said second tension meter is adapted to measure said second tension force applied to said second cable.

11. A method for determining relative contributions of a first limb and a second limb simultaneously imparting lifting force on a single resistance source comprising: a) pulling on a proximate end of a first cable of an exercise assembly with said first limb, wherein said exercise assembly comprises: i) a frame, wherein said single resistance source is disposed on said frame; ii) a tilt platform pivotally attached to said single resistance source; iii) a first pulley connected to said frame; iv) a second pulley connected to said tilt platform, wherein said first cable has said proximate end and a distal end, said first cable is disposed around said first and second pulleys, and said distal end of said first cable is connected to said frame; v) a third pulley connected to said frame; vi) a fourth pulley connected to said tilt platform; and vii) a second cable, wherein said second cable has said proximate end and a distal end, said second cable is disposed around said third and fourth pulleys, and said distal end of said second cable is connected to said frame; b) simultaneously pulling on a proximate end of said second cable with said second limb; and c) observing relative contributions of said first and second limbs in lifting said single resistance source based on the amount of tilt of said tilt platform from a horizontal orientation.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said single resistance source comprises a load.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said load comprises a plurality of vertically stackable plates.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of adjusting the amount of force applied by said first and second limbs in order to maintain said tilt platform in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

(1) The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

(2) FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of an exercise assembly equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a first (left) side view of an exercise assembly equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 depicts a second opposite (right) side view of an exercise assembly equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of a vertical frame column member and right adjustable pulley and linkage assembly of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of an exercise assembly equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a weight stack with pulley assemblies and a tilt platform in accordance with the dual balance system of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment cable, pulley assemblies and tilt platform of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(9) FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of exercise assembly 10 equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a base assembly comprising lower base members 20, parallel base support members 21 and lower frame support member 22 extending between said base support members 21. Said base assembly should beneficially provide a stable and secure foundation for exercise assembly 10, particularly during exercise performance by a user.

(10) Left vertical frame column member 173 and right vertical frame column member 273 extend upward from said base assembly. In the preferred embodiment, said vertical frame column members 173 and 273 are oriented substantially vertically and parallel to each other. Further, each of said vertical frame column members 173 and 273 can include a plurality of spaced-apart transverse bores 175 and 275, respectively; said bores are beneficially spaced apart at desired intervals. Cap member 24 is disposed on the upper ends of said substantially vertical and substantially parallel frame members 173 and 273. In addition, cap member 24 is disposed on the upper ends of substantially vertical and substantially parallel weight stack alignment rails 182 and 282.

(11) Still referring to FIG. 1, weight stack assembly 30 is positioned within said exercise assembly 10. Although said weight stack assembly 30 can be placed in any number of different locations without departing from the scope of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment said weight stack assembly 30 is beneficially positioned on or about lower frame support member 22 and centered between parallel vertical frame column members 173 and 273. Weight stack assembly 30 comprises left weight stack alignment rail 182 and right weight stack alignment rail 282. Said weight stack alignment rails 182 and 282 are disposed on lower frame support member 22, and extend from lower frame support member 22 to cap member 24. Further, weight stack alignment rails 182 and 282 beneficially guide a plurality of weight stack plates 31 during exercise and prevent said weight stack plates 31 from falling during an exercise movement. Parallel linkage assemblies, comprising left cable 101 and right cable 201, and a plurality of pulley assemblies discussed in more detail below, is disposed on and/or around said support frame members of exercise assembly 10, and connected to weight stack assembly 30.

(12) Weight stack assembly 30 comprises tilt platform 80 attachably connected to and relatively evenly balanced in a center position on the top of center weight stack rod 81 by means of rotatable connecting bolt 82. Rotatable connecting bolt 82 allows tilt platform 80 to substantially “tilt” or lean from side to side during exercise performance. Tilt platform 80 supports left tilt platform pulley assembly 130 and right tilt platform pulley assembly 230, wherein both tilt platform pulley assemblies 130 and 230 are mounted on rotatable mounting pins 235 that enable tilt platform pulley assemblies 130 and 230 to lean from side to side during exercise performance.

(13) As depicted in FIG. 1, left cable 101 extends through left adjustable pulley assembly 110, over left upper front pulley assembly 120, under left tilt platform pulley assembly 130, over left upper rear pulley assembly 140 and under left lower pulley assembly 150. Although not visible in FIG. 1, left cable 101 is anchored to left adjustable pulley assembly 110. Similarly, right cable 201 extends through right adjustable pulley assembly 210, over right upper front pulley assembly 220, under right tilt platform pulley assembly 230, over right upper rear pulley assembly 240 and under right lower pulley assembly 250. Although not visible in FIG. 1, right cable 201 is anchored to right adjustable pulley assembly 210.

(14) Left cable 101 and right cable 201 are two separate cables that are separately connected to a single weight stack assembly 30 by way of connecting to the top of tilt platform 80. As a result, when left cable 101 and right cable 201 are separate and independent from one another, but are working together in order to lift a load, any “uneven” contribution of force exerted by the limbs will be indicated in the cable tension during exercise performance, wherein said “uneven” contribution can be viewed by the position of tilt platform 80 in relation to the top plate of weight stack assembly 30. Thus, when both limbs contribute force evenly, tilt platform 80 will be in a substantially horizontal position and relatively parallel to the top plate of weight stack assembly 30.

(15) FIG. 2 depicts a first (left) side view of an exercise assembly 10 equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention, while FIG. 3 depicts an opposite (right) side view of said exercise assembly 10 depicted in FIG. 2. A base assembly comprises lower base members 20, base support members 21 and lower frame support member 22, and provides a stable and secure foundation for exercise assembly 10.

(16) Left vertical frame member 173 and right vertical frame member 273 extend upward from said base assembly. Said left and right vertical frame members 173 and 273 are oriented substantially vertically and include a plurality of spaced-apart transverse bores 175 and 275. Said bores 175 and 275 can be beneficially spaced apart at desired intervals. Cap member 24 is disposed on the upper ends of said substantially vertical and substantially parallel left and right frame members 173 and 273.

(17) Weight stack assembly 30, which comprises a load for weight resistance training, is positioned within said exercise assembly 10. In the preferred embodiment, said weight stack assembly 30 comprises a plurality of stackable weight plates 31. Said plates 31 can follow a uniform weight pattern so that a user can quickly and efficiently select a desired amount of weight to be lifted by adjusting the number of weight plates 31 being used, such as by a selective weight stack pinning assembly well known to those having skill in the art.

(18) As depicted in FIG. 2, left adjustable pulley assembly 110 is slidably disposed along a portion of the length of left vertical frame member 173. Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 3, right adjustable pulley assembly 210 is slidably disposed along a portion of the length of right vertical frame member 273. Left cable 101 and right cable 201 are disposed on and/or around said support frame members of exercise assembly 10 through a system of pulleys, and connected to tilt platform 80 and weight stack assembly 30.

(19) Left cable 101 extends through left adjustable pulley assembly 110, over pulleys 121 and 122 of left upper front pulley assembly 120, under left tilt platform pulley assembly 130, over pulleys 141 and 142 of left upper rear pulley assembly 140 and under left lower pulley assembly 150. Distal end 103 of left cable 101 is anchored to bracket member 111 of left adjustable pulley assembly 110; the position of left adjustable pulley assembly 110 can be selectively adjusted relative to left vertical frame member 173. In the preferred embodiment, left tension meter 50 is installed between said distal end 103 of cable 101 and mounting bracket 111. Said tension meter 50 can measure the loading tension on left cable 101 as a load from weight stack 30 is lifted using left cable 101 with left limb.

(20) As depicted in FIG. 3, right cable 201 extends through right adjustable pulley assembly 210, over pulleys 221 and 222 of right upper front pulley assembly 220, under right tilt platform pulley assembly 230, over pulleys 241 and 242 of right upper rear pulley assembly 240 and under right lower pulley assembly 250. Distal end 203 of right cable 201 is anchored to bracket member 211 of left adjustable pulley assembly 210; the position of right adjustable pulley assembly 210 can be selectively adjusted relative to right vertical frame member 273. In the preferred embodiment, right tension meter 60 is installed between said distal end 203 of cable 201 and mounting bracket 211. Said right tension meter 60 can measure the loading tension on right cable 201 as a load from weight stack 30 is lifted using right cable 201 with right limb.

(21) Still referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the arrows depict the direction of travel when a user engages in exercise activity using exercise assembly 10. Specifically, the arrows on FIG. 2 depict the travel direction of left cable 101 when a user pulls on left handle 102 with left limb. Similarly, the arrows on FIG. 3 depict the direction of travel of right cable 201 when a user pulls on right handle 202 with right limb.

(22) FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of exercise assembly 10 equipped with the dual balance system of the present invention. A base assembly comprises a lower base assembly. Said lower base assembly depicted in FIG. 5 is slightly different than the base assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 to illustrate that the specific design of said base assembly is generally not essential to the function of exercise assembly 10, so long, as said base assembly provides a stable and secure foundation for such exercise assembly 10. Vertical frame members 173 and 273 extend upward from said base assembly. Said vertical frame members 173 and 273 are oriented substantially vertically and parallel to each other, and include a plurality of spaced-apart transverse bores 175 and 275. Cap member 24 is disposed on the upper ends of said substantially vertical frame members 173 and 273 and on the upper ends of said substantially vertical weight stack pulley assembly 130.

(23) Weight stack assembly 30 comprises a plurality of centrally positioned and stacked weight plates 31. Left adjustable pulley assembly 110 is slidably disposed on left vertical frame member 173, while right adjustable pulley assembly 210 is slidably disposed on right vertical frame member 273. A linkage assembly having independently functioning left cable 101 and right cable 201 is disposed on and around said support frame members of exercise assembly 10 (including, without limitation, over left upper rear pulley assembly 140 and right upper rear pulley assembly 240), and connected to tilt platform 80. A left handle member 102 is attached to proximate end 104 of left cable 101, while right handle member 202 is attached to proximate end 204 of right cable 201.

(24) Distal end 103 of left cable 101 is anchored to bracket member 111 of left adjustable pulley assembly 110. In the preferred embodiment, left tension meter 50 is installed between said distal end 103 of cable 101 and mounting bracket 111. Said left tension meter 50 can measure the loading tension on left cable 101 as weight from weight stack 30 is lifted using left cable 101. Although different means of attachment can be envisioned, said distal end 103 of left cable 101 can be attached to left tension meter 50 using link member 105.

(25) Distal end 203 of right cable 201 is anchored to bracket member 211 of right adjustable pulley assembly 210. In the preferred embodiment, right tension meter 60 is installed between said distal end 203 of cable 201 and mounting bracket 211. Said right tension meter 60 can measure the loading tension on right cable 201 as weight from weight stack 30 is lifted using right cable 201. Although different means of attachment can be envisioned, said distal end 203 of cable 201 can be attached to right tension meter 60 using link member 205.

(26) FIG. 4 depicts a detailed side view of a portion of a right vertical frame column member 273 and right adjustable pulley assembly 210 and linkage assembly of the present invention. Right cable 201, having handle member 202 attached at proximate end 204, extends through pulleys 214 of right adjustable pulley assembly 210. Right adjustable pulley assembly 210 has housing section 212 slidably disposed on right vertical column member 273. Said housing section 212 can be selectively secured in place using adjustment pin 213, which can be received within transverse bores 275. (Although not visible in FIG. 4, as can be observed from FIG. 3, said right cable 201 extends over pulleys 221 and 222 of right upper front pulley assembly 220, under right tilt platform pulley assembly 230, over pulleys 241 and 242 of right upper rear pulley assembly 240 and under right lower pulley assembly 250).

(27) Distal end 203 of right cable 201 is anchored to bracket member 211 of right adjustable pulley assembly 210 which, in turn, can be adjustably positioned relative to right vertical frame member 273. In the preferred embodiment, right tension meter 60 is installed between said distal end 203 of cable 201 and mounting bracket 211. Distal end 203 of cable 201 is attached to right tension meter 60 using link member 205.

(28) Said right tension meter 60 can measure the loading tension on right cable 201 as a load (such as all or part of weight stack 30) is lifted using right cable 201. As depicted in FIG. 4, wire 61 is connected to said tension meter 60 to transmit data measured by said tension meter 60. In the preferred embodiment, said wire 61 extends through tubular frame members of exercise assembly 10 to an electronic biofeedback display that is visible or otherwise discernable to a user. For example, referring to FIG. 1, said wire 61 can extend to electronic biofeedback display 40, and right side display 42 in particular, to visually display data measured by said tension meter 60. Such measured force is relayed to a digital display 40 that displays the amount of weight being lifted by each individual limb (via left display 41 and right display 42) during bilateral exercise.

(29) Referring back to FIG. 5, it is to be observed that a similar arrangement is provided for left cable 101. Left tension meter 50 can measure the loading tension on left cable 101 as a load (such as all or part of weight stack 30) is lifted using left cable 101. As depicted in FIG. 5, wire 51 is connected to said left tension meter 50 to transmit data measured by said left tension meter 50. In the preferred embodiment, said wire 51 extends through tubular frame members of exercise assembly 10 to a biofeedback display that is visible or otherwise discernable to a user. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, said wire 51 can extend to electronic biofeedback display 40, and left side display 41 in particular, to visually display data measured by said left tension meter 50.

(30) In lieu of wires 51 and 61, it is to be observed that other means of transmitting data measured by tension meters 50 and 60 to electronic biofeedback display 40 can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a wireless system using radio frequency transmission or other known data transmission means can be used to transmit such data. Further, it is to be observed that other display or signaling means could be used either in place of, or in tandem with, electronic biofeedback display 40. For example, an audible alarm can be provided to sound when certain predetermined parameters are measured by tension meters 50 and/or 60.

(31) The biofeedback system of the present invention (including, without limitation, electronic display device 40 in FIG. 1 and tilt platform 80) enables a user to receive real-time visual feedback during exercise performance. Specifically, said biofeedback system of the present invention provides data to a user to indicate how much each limb is contributing to the overall work effort during bilateral exercise. Further, such biofeedback system of the present invention allows a user to “even out” strength imbalance between the two limbs, and train a user to “lead with the weak side” in order to build strength in said weak side, while decreasing the force output of the dominant side so that said dominant side does not overpower said weak side during bilateral exercise.

(32) FIG. 6 depicts a front view of weight stack 30 with tilt platform 80 attached to a weight stack center rod 81 via a connecting rotatable mounting pin 82. Further, weight stack 30 comprises left and right tilt platform pulley assemblies 130 and 230 attached to tilt platform 80 in accordance with the dual balance system of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, weight stack 30 comprises a plurality of stackable weight plates 31 that permit selective adjustment in the amount of weight load to be lifted. Although different means can be contemplated, said stackable weight plates 31 have transverse bores 34 to accept a pin 83 or other similar means to permit such adjustable weight selection.

(33) Weight stack assembly 30 comprises top plate 35 that is attachably connected to weight stack center rod 81. Said center rod 81 has a plurality of transverse bores 84 that align with weight stack transverse bores 34 in order to accept a pin 83, or any other similar means that allows for an adjustable weight stack selection.

(34) In the preferred embodiment, tilt platform 80 is mounted to the weight stack center rod 81 and the top weight stack pick-up plate 35 by means of a rotatable mounting pin 82. Tilt platform 80 comprises clevis mounting bracket 88 having rotatable mounting pin 82. Further, tilt platform 80 supports left tilt platform pulley assembly 130 and right tilt platform pulley assembly 230.

(35) In addition, in the preferred embodiment, left tilt platform pulley assembly 130 comprises pulley wheel 131 rotatably disposed within pulley housing 132; said pulley wheel 131 is rotatable about pulley axle 133. Pulley housing 132 is mounted to tilt platform 80 using clevis mounting bracket 134 having rotatable mounting pin 135. Mounting pin 135 is rotatable within said clevis bracket 134. Similarly, right tilt platform pulley assembly 230 comprises pulley wheel 231 rotatably disposed within pulley housing 232; said pulley wheel 231 is rotatable about pulley axle 233. Pulley housing 232 is mounted to tilt platform 80 using clevis mounting bracket 234 having rotatable mounting pin 235. Mounting pin 235 is rotatable within said clevis bracket 234.

(36) Left cable 101 is disposed around left tilt platform pulley wheel 131, while right cable 201 is disposed around right tilt platform pulley wheel 231. It is to be observed that when left cable 101 is taut (such as when said cable is under tension), left tilt platform pulley assembly 130 is in a substantially upright position. In other words, left pulley member 131 is oriented in a substantially vertical plane. Similarly, when right cable 201 is taut (such as when said cable is under tension), right weight stack pulley assembly 230 is in a substantially upright position. The amount of force exerted by each limb on its respective cable (i.e., left cable 101 for left limb and right cable 201 for right limb) will determine the position of tilt platform 80 in relation to top plate 35 of weight stack assembly 30. In the start position of the exercise movement, it is necessary to have a sufficient amount of force exerted by each limb on their respective cables in order to place the pulley wheels 131 and 231 in a substantially vertical plane, thus placing tilt platform 80 in a relatively horizontal position.

(37) Further, it is to be observed that tilt platform pulley housings 132 and 232 can rotate about clevis pivot pins 135 and 235, respectively, allowing such mounting means to act as swivel bushings. This rotational ability allows the pulley wheels 131 and 231 to remain substantially vertical during exercise performance, as long as there is a sufficient initial force output along the cables by the limbs.

(38) As such, if a greater upward force is acting upon left tilt platform housing 132, the left side of tilt platform 80 will “raise” in a relatively upward direction and right side of tilt platform 80 will “drop” in a relatively downward direction. This tilt indicates that a left limb is exerting more force than a right limb. Thus, a user, by observing the position of tilt platform 80 during exercise performance, can correct the force output of the limbs in order to place tilt platform 80 in a desired substantially horizontal position. This visual observation by the user in “real time” during exercise performance can train the user's brain and nervous system by means of a visual biofeedback system in order to correct strength imbalance between the left and the right limbs. As a result, over a period of time, the “weak” side can become equal in strength to the “dominant” (strong) side. Both sides will then be able to contribute equally and evenly to the overall strength output during such bilateral exercise performance.

(39) As noted herein, left and right cable and pulley linkage assemblies of exercise assembly 10 are independent from one another; that is, such cables and pulleys split loading from weight stack 30 into two equal halves, with fifty (50%) percent resistance for each side (left and right). As such, said load from weight stack 30 is evenly split between a user's left and right limbs during bilateral exercise performance.

(40) Because such parallel left and right cable and pulley linkage assemblies of the present invention operate independently from each other, a user immediately receives an indication if one limb (left or right) is contributing more effort than the other limb during bilateral exercise. Such indication includes, without limitation, a cable on the “weaker” side becoming slack which, in turn, results in tilt platform 80 “tilting” to the weaker side. The user is able to use this visual cue to exert more force with the weaker limb and less force with the stronger limb in order for tilt platform 80 to balance along the central rod 81 in a relatively horizontal position, thereby indicating equal contributions from both limbs.

(41) FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment cable and pulley linkage assemblies of the present invention. In the alternative embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 7, left tilt platform pulley assembly 130 can include an additional pulley wheel 136, while left upper front pulley assembly 120 can include additional pulley wheel 123. Similarly, right tilt platform pulley assembly 230 can include an additional pulley wheel 236, while right upper front pulley assembly 220 can include additional pulley wheel 223. Said additional pulley wheels allow for exercise assembly 10 of the present invention to better accommodate high speed bilateral resistance training. In the preferred embodiment, said left and right tilt platform pulley assemblies 130 and 230 are symmetrically situated relative to tilt platform 80—that is, said left and right tilt platform pulley assemblies are the same distance from the center (and outer sides) of said tilt platform 80.

(42) The dual balance exercise assembly of the present invention permits a user to work both sides of the body in a coordinated, dynamic manner using bilateral weight training. In addition to other benefits, such balanced training can also significantly improve physical therapy outcomes. By challenging a user's nervous system, muscles and connective tissues work together to achieve balanced effort. As a result, a user's body learns how to strengthen the weaker side by integrating and strengthening the mind-body connection.

(43) Although the exercise assembly of the present invention is described herein primarily in connection with lifting of a load, such as weight stack 30, it is to be observed that the present invention can be beneficially used with virtually any resistance means. In addition to a weight load, such resistance can also be provided by other means including, without limitation, pneumatic systems. Additionally, the present invention can also be used on exercise assemblies using body weight as a source of resistance; by way of illustration, but not limitation, such assemblies can include exercise bikes, elliptical training machines, treadmills, rowers, and physical therapy machines.

(44) The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.