Exercise apparatus using constant velocity resistance training
Exercise equipment provides maximum effort repetitions, every rep, safely, through constant velocity. With constant velocity resistance, every person using the equipment can achieve maximum resistance for each repetition, whether their strength maxes out at 5 lbs. or 500 lbs. of resistance. The constant velocity resistance allows for reduced resistance with each repetition as fatigue sets in, without changing the equipment settings. The exercise equipment includes a line coupled to a handle, and retracted by a retraction assembly. An impeder provides resistance for pushing/pulling (depending on the exercise) based on constant rotational velocity of the impeder, rather than resisting with a force of gravity, spring force, or friction. The impeder prevents extraction of the line faster than the constant rotational velocity. Thus, a user can push/pull as hard as desired, and the line can only be extracted as limited by the velocity of the impeder.
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a line mechanically coupled to a handle;
a retraction assembly mechanically coupled to the line to retract the line to an initial position, wherein the retraction assembly is coupled to rotate an axel with a retraction rotation; and
an impeder mechanically coupled to the line to allow extraction of the line in a direction opposing retraction of the line, wherein the impeder includes
a motor configured to drive the axel at a constant rotational velocity with an extraction rotation opposite the retraction rotation;
a torque magnification assembly including a worm gear to magnify the torque of the motor at the constant rotational velocity to prevent alteration of the rotational velocity by application of force by a user; and
a one-way drive assembly including a one-way roller bearing to couple between the motor and the axel to cause the motor to drive the axel with the extraction rotation and permit the retraction assembly to rotate the axel with the retraction rotation to retract the line unimpeded by the drive assembly;
wherein the impeder is configured to constrain extraction of the line to the constant rotational velocity, to prevent extraction of the line faster than the constant rotational velocity, regardless of force applied by the user for extraction of the line.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a strength-training apparatus.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a bar or a stirrup grip.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the line comprises one of a cable, a chain, a strap, or a cord.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retraction assembly comprises one of a spool controlled by a recoil spring, or a retraction motor having a one-way roller bearing.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the retraction assembly comprises one of a spring or a motor with a clutch transmission.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the motor further comprises a speed controller for the user to adjust the rotational velocity of the motor to cause the motor to drive the axel at a rotational velocity set by the user.
8. A strength training system, comprising:
a handle for a user to engage during use;
a line mechanically coupled to the handle;
a retraction assembly mechanically coupled to the line to retract the line to an initial position, wherein the retraction assembly is coupled to rotate an axel with a retraction rotation; and
a motor assembly mechanically coupled to the line, the motor assembly including a motor configured to drive the axel at a constant rotational velocity, a torque magnification assembly including a worm gear to magnify the torque of the motor at the constant rotational velocity to prevent alteration of the rotational velocity by application of force by the user, and including a one-way drive assembly including a one-way roller bearing to drive in a rotation opposite retraction of the line to the initial position and permit the retraction assembly to retract the line unimpeded by the drive assembly,
wherein the drive assembly is configured to constrain extraction of the line to the constant rotational velocity, to prevent extraction of the line from the initial position faster than the constant rotational velocity by a force of the user; and
a frame including one or more repositionable pulleys to guide the line to the initial position.
9. The strength training system of claim 8 , the frame further comprising one or more of an additional pulley to guide the line to an alternate initial position, or a line extension to extend the line to an alternate initial position.
10. The strength training system of claim 9 , wherein the handle comprises a bar in one initial position and a stirrup grip in a second initial position.
11. The strength training system of claim 8 , wherein the line comprises one of a cable, a chain, a strap, or a cord.
12. The strength training system of claim 8 , wherein the retraction assembly comprises a spool controlled by a recoil spring.
13. The strength training system of claim 8 , wherein the motor assembly further comprises a speed controller for the user to adjust the rotational velocity of the motor to cause the motor to drive the axel at a rotational velocity set by the user.