Full Assist Resistance Machine

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides a full assist resistance device designed to assist users in weight training by allowing the users to start pushing and pulling exercises in full extension or full flexion positions, respectively. The device comprises a jack device and an actuating means for operating the jack device. The actuating means is mounted to a mounting plate and is in communication with the jack device. Generally, the jack device comprises at least one foot pedal that a user would manipulate to raise and lower the weight stack, and to adjust the resistance for moving the weight stack. Furthermore, the full assist resistance device would be used in conjunction with a weight-stacked type exercise machine.

1 . A device for use with a stacked weight exercise device, comprising:
 a jack device; and   an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the actuating means comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower a weight stack. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one of a button, a pedal, or a lever. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the actuating means comprises at least two buttons, wherein a first button raises a weight stack and a second button lowers the weight stack. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the actuating means comprises at least two additional buttons that increase and decrease resistance for moving the weight stack. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one button, pedal or lever is controlled by a foot of a user. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one button, pedal or lever is controlled by a hand of a user. 
     
     
         9 . A device for use with a stacked weight exercise device, comprising:
 a jack device; and   an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device and comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower a weight stack, and at least two pedals, wherein a first pedal is manipulated by a user to raise the weight stack and a second pedal is manipulated by the user to lower the weight stack.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the actuating means comprises at least two additional pedals that are manipulated by the user to increase and decrease resistance for moving the weight stack. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the pedals are controlled by a foot of a user. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack. 
     
     
         13 . A resistance-training system, comprising:
 a stacked weight exercise device; and   a full assist resistance device comprising a jack device and an actuating means for operating the jack device, wherein the actuating means is in communication with the jack device.   
     
     
         14 . The resistance-training system of  claim 13 , wherein the stacked weight exercise device comprises:
 a support frame;   a lateral bar secured to the support frame and adjustable to a fully extended or a fully flexed position; and   a weight stack secured to the support frame via a pulley system.   
     
     
         15 . The resistance-training system of  claim 14 , wherein the support frame comprises a bench that supports a user. 
     
     
         16 . The resistance-training system of  claim 15 , wherein the bench comprises a back support to support a user in a sitting position. 
     
     
         17 . The resistance-training system of  claim 14 , wherein the jack device comprises at least one of an electric, a pneumatic, or a hydraulic screw-type jack. 
     
     
         18 . The resistance-training system of  claim 17 , wherein the actuating means comprises an actuator that moves an internal feed screw which acts to raise and lower the weight stack. 
     
     
         19 . The resistance-training system of  claim 18 , wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one foot pedal, that when manipulated, raises and lowers the weight stack. 
     
     
         20 . The resistance-training system of  claim 19 , wherein the actuating means further comprises at least one additional foot pedal, that when manipulated, increases and decreases resistance of the weight stack.