Multipurpose Exercise Machine Utilizing Vacuum Springs

Abstract

A multipurpose exercise machine comprising a compact movable frame, a large diameter pulley and a plurality of novel low friction vacuum springs for generating a force is disclosed. The vacuum springs are comprised of two rigid end pieces that are movable relative to each other. A flexible membrane couples the two rigid end pieces to each other and encloses a hermetically sealed region in between the movable bodies and the flexible membrane. A user operating the machine exerts a force that pulls the two end pieces are apart which forms a vacuum that opposes the motion.

1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a. a frame;   b. a plurality of vacuum springs, wherein each vacuum spring, independently, comprises:
 i. two rigid end pieces configured to interlock with each other and to be movable relative to each other, wherein a first end piece is securably attached to the frame, and a second end piece is movable and attachable to a flexible linkage; and 
 ii. a flexible membrane coupled to the two rigid end pieces so as to provide a hermetically sealed region between the two rigid end pieces and the flexible membrane; 
   c. a rotatable shaft mounted on the frame;   d. a plurality of flexible linkages wherein each flexible linkage is independently wrappable around the rotatable shaft and attachable to a movable end piece of one of the plurality of the vacuum springs;   e. a pulley having a diameter larger than the diameter of the rotatable shaft coupled to the rotatable shaft wherein rotating the pulley rotates the rotatable shaft;   f. a cable wrappable around the pulley, wherein the cable is configured to allow a user to engage the vacuum springs by pulling on the cable.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , comprising 4 vacuum springs. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second end pieces of the vacuum springs comprise interlocking dome shaped structures. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane comprises an elastic material and a plurality of high tensile strength filament segments that traverse the flexible membrane from the first end piece to the second end piece, thereby transferring tensile forces exerted on the flexible membrane to the end pieces. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the vacuum springs, comprises a valve, thereby allowing air to be purged from the vacuum spring. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of vacuum springs are positioned on generally opposite sides of the rotatable shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of cams coupled to the rotatable shaft, wherein the cams provide a curved surface for the flexible linkages to wrap around as the rotatable shaft is rotated whereby the variable strength forces created by the plurality of the vacuum springs are converted to more constant strength forces. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a hinge, thereby allowing the frame to tilt about a horizontal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is mounted on top of a bearing, thereby allowing the frame to rotate about a vertical axis. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 9 , further comprising a locking device to prevent the frame from rotating around a vertical axis during use. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise machine comprising;
 a. at least two of the exercise devices of  claim 1 ;   b. a foundation suitable to support the weight of a user; and   c. connectors suitable for attaching the two devices to the foundation.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 12 , wherein the pulley is of a diameter large enough to allow a user to complete a stroke of an exercise without rotating the pulley more than 360 degrees.