Adjustable transverse resistance exercise machine
An adjustably-tensioned, transverse-suspended elastic element exercise device is disclosed. The transverse element is suspended between frame elements sized so as to enable full range of motion exercises. The tension and height of the elastic member can be adjusted so as to accommodate varying exercise levels and positions. The assembly may include handgrips and attachments to augment workouts. Electronic adjustability, metrics, programmability and Internet connectivity enhance the user experience. A method of using the device is also disclosed.
1. An exercise device, comprising:
a frame including at least two vertically upright members rigidly secured at respective uppermost and lowermost ends thereof so as to maintain a fixed distance and parallel alignment therebetween throughout their height,
adjustable height mounting trolleys mounted so as to attach to and move vertically along each of said upright members,
a transverse elastic element attached at each respective end thereof to one of said mounting trolleys such that each attached end of said elastic element is independently adjustable along said upright members in a vertical dimension; and,
at least one of said trolleys further including a tension adjuster for increasing and decreasing the tension in the transverse elastic element.
2. A device as in claim 1 , wherein:
said frame further includes a floor engaging member rigidly attached to said lowermost ends of said up-right members, and an upper brace rigidly attached at said uppermost ends, so as to form a four-sided frame surrounding said transverse elastic element.
3. A device as in claim 1 , wherein:
said trolleys are adapted to automatically adjust both the height and tension of said transverse elastic member in accord with user input.
4. A device as in claim 3 , further comprising:
grips positioned on said elastic element for a user to engage said elastic element.
5. A device as in claim 4 , wherein:
said grips are equipped with vital sign monitoring and signaling functionality.
6. A device as in claim 5 , further comprising:
a control center for said device that includes elastic member height and tension information and vital sign monitoring from said grips.
7. A device as in claim 6 , further comprising
internet connectively between said control center and said device, wherein control center information regarding exercise programs and occurrence can be shared.
8. A device as in claim 3 , wherein:
said trolley is height adjustably controlled through a vertically oriented worm gear mounted on each of said up-rights.
9. A device as in claim 3 , wherein:
said height and tension adjustment includes motor driven electronic adjustment.
10. A device as in claim 1 , wherein:
said trolley is height adjustable through a pin and hole peg system to each of said uprights.
11. A device as in claim 1 , wherein:
said tension adjuster in said trolley includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
12. A device as in claim 1 , wherein:
said tension adjuster in said trolley includes a mechanism to twist said elastic member and thereby induce greater tension in said elastic member.
13. A method of using an exercise device including a transversely suspended automatically height and tension adjustable elastic member, said elastic member suspended between vertically moveable trolleys mounted to move vertically along two upright stanchion members comprising the steps of:
setting a height for each endpoint of said elastic member using said height adjusting moveable trolleys along said respective stanchion members, above a floor supporting said device;
adjusting tension in said elastic member to a selected amount using an automatic tension adjustment mechanism associated with said trolleys;
engaging said member, using feet or hands of a user, in a direction transverse to said band;
repeating said setting and adjusting steps until an exercise routine has been completed.
14. A method as in claim 13 , wherein:
said automatic setting and adjusting steps are controlled by the device in accord with a predetermined exercise routine selected by a user.
15. A method as in claim 14 , further comprising:
monitoring user performance and progress during said routine via vital sign monitoring grips mounted along said elastic member and engaged by said user during said routine; and,
sharing the outcome of said routine on a 3 rd party network.
16. An exercise device, comprising:
a frame including at least two vertically upright members rigidly secured at respective uppermost and lowermost ends thereof so as to maintain a fixed distance and alignment therebetween throughout their height,
adjustable height mounting trolleys mounted so as to attach to and move vertically along each of said upright members,
a transverse elastic element attached at each respective end thereof to one of said mounting trolleys such that each attached end of said elastic element is independently adjustable along said respective upright members in a vertical direction;
said trolleys further include a tension adjuster for increasing and decreasing the tension in the transverse elastic element; and,
said elastic element being further equipped with vital sign monitoring grips for a user of said device to engage when exercising thereon.
17. A device as in claim 16 , further comprising:
a control center for said device that includes elastic member height and tension information and vital sign monitoring from said grips.
18. A device as in claim 16 , further comprising
internet connectively between said control center and said device, wherein control center information regarding exercise programs and occurrence can be shared.