Exercise apparatus with differential arm resistance assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses having a resistance assembly which utilizes a compression spring in combination with a differential resistance arm to regulate the amount of resistance provided to the user for use in exercise. The resistance assembly of the present invention utilizes a compression spring, gas shock, or other known resistance mechanisms. The differential resistance arm is provided in connection with the compression spring to regulate the amount of resistance provided for use during exercise. The differential resistance arm includes a differential contact surface which has a substantially curved configuration. The curved configuration maintains a linear increase/decrease in resistance subsequent to input from a user increasing or decreasing the resistance.

1 . An exercise apparatus configured to provide resistance to allow a user to undertake aerobic and anaerobic exercise in a home or commercial gym setting, the exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a frame providing support to the exercise apparatus;    a resistance assembly operably linked to the frame, the resistance assembly comprising: 
 a resistance member providing resistance for use in exercise;  
 a lever arm utilizing resistance from the resistance member to provide variable amounts of resistance for use in exercise; and  
   a connecting mechanism allowing the user to utilize resistance from the resistance assembly for use during exercise.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member comprises a compression spring.  
   
   
       3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member comprises a gas shock.  
   
   
       4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the resitance member comprises a mechanism configured to provide resistance for use during exercise.  
   
   
       5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lever arm includes a differential contact surface.  
   
   
       6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a cable and pulley system.  
   
   
       7 . An exercise apparatus configured to provide resistance to allow a user to undertake aerobic and anaerobic exercise in a home or commercial gym setting, the exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a frame providing support to the exercise apparatus;    a resistance assembly operably linked to the frame such that the resistance assembly is positioned perpendicular to the frame; the resistance assembly comprising: 
 a differential resistance arm for regulating the amount of resistance provided by the resistance member;  
 a resistance member providing an amount of resistance for use in exercise; and  
   a cable and pulley system allowing the user to utilize resistance from the resistance assembly for use during exercise.    
   
   
       8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the resistance member is linked to the differential resistance arm utilizing a link arm.  
   
   
       9 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein resistance member comprises a compression spring.  
   
   
       10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the compression spring is compressed in a linear motion.  
   
   
       11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a guide and guide slot to facilitate linear movement of the resistance member during exercise.  
   
   
       12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a lead screw for use with the differential resistance arm to control the amount of resistance provide to the user.  
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a user interface for controlling the amount of resistance provided to the user during exercise.  
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the user interface includes one or more preprogrammed exercise routines that can be selected by a user.  
   
   
       15 . An exercise apparatus configured to provide resistance to allow a user to undertake aerobic and anaerobic exercise in a home or commercial gym setting, the exercise apparatus comprising: 
 a frame providing support to the exercise apparatus;    a resistance assembly operably linked to the frame such that the resistance assembly is positioned perpendicular to the frame; the resistance assembly comprising: 
 a differential resistance arm having a differential contact surface for regulating the amount of resistance provided by the resistance member;  
 a compression spring providing an amount of resistance for use in exercise;  
 a linkage arm positioned between the compression spring and the differential resistance arm wherein the differential resistance arm, the resistance member, and the linkage arm allow linear movement of the resistance member during exercise; and  
   a connecting mechanism comprising a cable and pulley system allowing the user to utilize resistance from the resistance assembly during exercise.    
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a user interface for automatically controlling the amount of resistance provided by the resistance assembly.  
   
   
       17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a repetition sensor for detecting the number of repetitions conducted during exercise.  
   
   
       18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the compression spring is secured such that compression of the spring is substantially linear in nature.  
   
   
       19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a lead screw for use with the differential resistance arm.  
   
   
       20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a threaded coupler adapted to secure the linkage arm to the lead screw, wherein the position of the threaded coupler along the length of the lead screw determines the amount of resistance experienced by the user during exercise. -Page  34  - Docket No.  13914 . 849 . 1 . 1