Variable Loading in Resistance Training

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/652,269 filed May 28, 2024, pending, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The disclosure describes a system for variable loading strength training. The system includes a loading arm assembly, a top bracket assembly, a trolley assembly, a dual pulley assembly, a dual pulley housing and a dual pulley assembly bracket. The loading arm assembly is configured for removable mounting to a first post of a rig. The top bracket assembly is configured for removable mounting to the rig first post distanced from the loading arm assembly. The trolley assembly is configured for translation along the rig first post superior to the top bracket assembly. The dual pulley trolley assembly configured for mounting to the second post of the rig distanced from the top pulley assembly. The dual pulley assembly bracket is configured for coupling the dual pulley housing to the dual pulley trolley assembly.

The disclosure also describes a system for variable loading strength training. The system includes a loading arm assembly that can be mounted and removed from a first post of a rig. The system also includes a top bracket assembly that can be removably mounted to the same first post above the loading arm assembly.

Further, the disclosure describes a cable management trolley that includes first and second trolley assembly plates configured to sandwich a post of a rig. Suspended between the plates, there are at least one trolley pulley and at least one length management pulley. The trolley also includes at least one length management winch. Additionally, multiple rollers suspended between the plates are configured roll along two exterior surfaces of the rig's post.

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Prior systems have static loading, applying the same resistance through cables. Resistance is only dependent on how much weight is loaded on the system and is consistent throughout use. A number of current systems use cables to redirect tension from lifting weight plates vertically resulting in constant tension in the same directional vector for the entire time of usage.

The disclosure describes a system for variable loading for resistance training which may offer the additional benefits of accentuated eccentric loading or dynamic, eccentric-accentuated loading, an improvement over the classic static loading.

Use of the terms approximately, substantially or about in conjunction with a number or range, is intended to encompass numbers or ranges that are within perhaps 3-5% of the number or range specified. Use of the terms approximately, substantially or about in conjunction with terms of orientation such as normal, perpendicular, orthogonal, parallel, collinear, vertical or horizontal is intended to encompass angles within perhaps 3-5% of those implied by the term or sufficiently close to the angle implied that an ordinary observer would not notice a difference. Further, directions such as proximal, distal, lateral, medial, lateral, inferior and superior are used to distinguish elements from one another and are relative. As such, surfaces, edges or ends referred to as inferior may be found to be below surfaces, edges or ends referred to as superior without limiting disclosed embodiments.

Embodiments of the disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling variable loading strength training. Users may input a constant force and while the system output a resistive force that varies in relationship to time and the mounted angle of the loading arm. Varied tension throughout the course of usage results in improved user experience by focusing on the a range of motion in which the user's targeted muscles are closer to maximum flexion. Users are provided an experience unique to this system which may be more efficient in stimulating muscle growth.

Disclosed embodiments include loading arm geometry and a configuration of pulley assemblies selected such that, during cable retraction, the user experiences a greater resistive force than during cable advancement, thereby providing accentuated-eccentric loading.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that described features are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers,illustrate a variable loading systemin a possible useful configuration. A systemfor variable loading includes a lever or loading arm assemblyconfigured to be removably mounted onto a first post of a rig. Systemmay also include a top bracket assemblythat can be removably mounted to the same first post above the loading arm assembly. Additionally, a trolley assemblyis configured to move along the first post above top bracket assembly. Systemalso features a dual pulley trolleythat mounts to a second post of rig, located below top pulley assembly. Furthermore, systemincludes a dual pulley housingand a dual pulley assembly bracketthat couples dual pulley housingto a dual pulley trolley.

are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the locations and configuration of pulley trolleys and assemblies is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of the system. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure. The pulley assemblies may be arranged in selected configurations to provide mechanical-advantage ratios of one-to-one, two-to-one and three-to-one.

Referring to, loading arm assemblyfurther includes a lever or loading armoperating on the principles of a second class lever, first and second mounting plates(with second being visible in) configured to sandwich the first post of a rigand a loading arm, and first and second loading plateswhich suspend a loading pulley.

Each mounting plateincludes first and second edges arranged approximately perpendicular to third and fourth edges. First and second peg holes,, aligned along one edge allow mounting platesto be coupled to rigand a pivot pin holepivotably couples loading arm mounting platesto the loading arm.

Loading armincludes a shoulder portionwith a given length and a lever portionthat is substantially longer and may extend approximately perpendicularly to the shoulder portion. Shoulder portionincludes a pivot pin holeto receive a pivot pin for pivotably coupling loading armto rigvia mounting plates. Lever portionincludes a fastener holefor coupling first and second loading plates(both being visible in) to the lever portion and a loading hornthat extends perpendicularly to the length of shoulder portion, configured to fit through a loading horn hole loading plates.

Loading platesinclude first and second edges extending approximately perpendicular with third and fourth edges. A fastener holeis provided for alignment with fastener holeallowing loading plates, to sandwich lever portionof loading armand be coupled thereto using a suitable fastener. Similarly, a pivot pin holeprovided in loading platesenables mounting of a loading pulleythereto for coupling loading arm lever portionto the rest of systemthrough one or more cables.

A loading horn holealigned with pivot pin holeis configured to fit around and/or grip loading hornof loading arm. Multiplier anchor pointnear one corner enables configuring cables to adjust a load experienced by a user.

A pivot stop or standoffmounted to lever portionenables supporting loading armin a position elevated above a floor or other support surface.

Shoulder portionof loading armof assemblymay further include at least one chamfered or rounded edge configured to avoid interference with mounting frames or rigs during pivoting of the loading arm. In an example, the chamfered or rounded edge is the edge furthest from the distal end of lever portionor the first edge of mounting plates.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the relative sizes of the shoulder and lever portionsandof loading armare depicted as examples and are not to be construed as limiting to specific arrangements of the loading arm. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

A top bracket assemblymay be provided for cooperation with loading arm assembly. Referring to, top bracket assemblyincludes first and second top bracket plates(both being visible in) configured to sandwich, grip or partially surround a post of rig. First and second edges of top bracket platesextend approximately perpendicular with third and fourth edges. Two peg holes,, are aligned approximately in parallel with the first edge and are configured to accept a pin to removably affixed top bracket platesto rigpost. Two axle holes,are aligned at an angle to the first edge and are configured to accept an axle for translator pulleyand multiplier pulley, respectively. A cable anchor pointenables anchoring a cable endpoint for a two-to-one loading experience.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for a number of pulleys, pegs, or cable anchor points is as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific arrangements of top bracket assembly. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to, a cable management trolleyincludes first and second trolley assembly plates(both being visible in) configured to sandwich a post of rig. Trolley assembly platesinclude first and second edges extending approximately perpendicular with third and fourth edges. A first pair of axle holes,aligned approximately in parallel with the first edge and a second pair of axle holes,spaced from first pair,and also aligned approximately in parallel with the first edge are configured to receive axles of a number of rollers. Two cable anchor points,are also provided enabling general and one-to-one coupling, respectively. Two individual axle holesand, located near corners of trolley assembly platesare configured to receive axles of a number of pulleys.

Suspended between platesare at least one trolley pulleyconfigured to harness and/or redirect a cable for translating trolley assemblyalong a post of a rig and at least one length management pulleyconfigured to harness and/or redirect a cable to a length management winch. Length management winch, which may be bolted to a tensioner platefixed between second edges of trolley assembly platesis a conventional, hand-operated winch used exclusively to take up cable slack and adjust the star position of the trolley. Rollersare configured to roll along exterior surfaces of a post of rigfacilitating translation of cable management trolleytherealong.

Cable management trolleyalso includes at least one loading hornenabling a user to place one or more weights onto the cable management trolley.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the number of axle holes and anchor points is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of pulleys. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to, systemmay also include a floating top pulley assemblyincluding first and second floating top pulley assembly plates(with second being visible in) configured to sandwich a rail or upper crossmember of rig. Top bracket platesinclude first and second edges extending approximately perpendicular to third and fourth edges. A first pair of axle holesandare aligned approximately in parallel with fourth edge. A first individual axle holeis provided adjacent to the corner at the intersection of the second and third edges. A floating top pulleyguides the trolley-to-user cable from a top pulley assembly and a pair of lower pulleysroute the cable through openings in a crossmember.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the number of axle holes, rollers, and pulleys is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific numbers, types, or arrangements. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to, systemmay also include a top pulley assemblyincluding first and second top pulley assembly plates(with second being visible in) configured to sandwich a post and/or rail or upper crossmember of rig. Top pulley assembly platesinclude first and second edges extending approximately perpendicular to third and fourth edges. A fifth edgemay extend at an oblique angle to each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges. An individual axle holeis aligned near the corner intersection of the second and third edges. First and second peg holes,are aligned with the third edge. At least one top pulleyis suspended between first and second top pulley assembly platesand configured to manage and/or redirect a cable from a floating top pulley assembly to a dual pulley trolley.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the number of axle holes, rollers, and pulleys is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific numbers, types, or arrangements. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to, dual pulley trolley assemblyincludes first and second trolley assembly plates(with second being visible in) configured to sandwich a second post of rig. Between plates, a plurality of rollersmay be suspended, in a configuration to roll along exterior surfaces of the second post of rig.

Each of the first and second dual pulley trolley assembly platesincludes first and second edges, arranged approximately perpendicular to third and fourth edges. Two pairs of axle holesand,andare aligned approximately in parallel with the first edge. Two peg holes,, are aligned approximately parallel to the same first edge. Opposite the first edge, a second edge includes several bracket notchesconfigured to receive brackets of a dual pulley assembly bracket for indexing amount a number of pulley ratio positions. In an example, four individual bracket notches are provided for three different positions. Adjacent to the second edge are a number of anchor pointsinterspersed among notchesand configured for anchoring of cable ends thereto.

is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific designation for the number of axle holes, rollers, peg holes, bracket notches, and anchor points is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific numbers, types, or arrangements. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

Dual pulley housing, illustrated in, may include first and second housing plates(with second being visible in). Suspended between platesare two pulleys,, and a hinge tubecoupled so that its longitudinal axis is approximately parallel with the length-width planes of housing plates.

Dual pulley housing platesinclude first and second edges extending approximately perpendicular with the third and fourth edges. Housing platesinclude two axle holes,, and features a tabextending from the first edge.

Dual pulley assembly bracket, illustrated by way of example in, may include first and second bracket platesandconfigured to fit into the adjacent bracket notchesof the first and second dual pulley trolley assembly plates. Dual pulley first and second bracket platesandare configured to sandwich a hinge tube of dual pulley housingalong its length.

A possible configuration of dual pulley trolley, dual pulley housing, and dual pulley assembly bracketis illustrated inby way of example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. It is to be understood that the specific configuration is as an example and is not to be construed as limiting to specific of dual pulley trolley, dual pulley housing, and dual pulley assembly bracket. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the disclosure.

While the top bracket plates, bottom bracket plates and loading plates may take any of a variety of shapes suitable for enabling disclosed systems, in an example, each has first, second, third and fourth edges meeting at approximately right angles. The variety of axle and peg holes discussed herein may take any of a variety of dimensions suitable for receiving or otherwise accommodating pegs and axles, respectively. In an example, the peg holes have a diameter of 1.125 in. and the axle holes have a diameter of 0.4375 in. While the disclosed plates may take any of a variety of dimensions suitable for mounting and/or coupling other components, in an example, the plates are formed with a 0.25″ thickness. While the disclosed plates may be formed from any of a variety of durable, rigid materials, in an example, the plates are formed from a metal such as steel.

Disclosed accentuated eccentric loading systems and or dynamic, eccentric-accentuated loading systems may be assembled in accordance with any of a variety of methods.

Resistance may be mounted to, provided to or otherwise applied to the loading horn of the loading arm such as, for example, by sliding one or more weight plates onto the loading horn.

A user may then pull the ends of the tension member or members to lift the load by pivoting the loading arm. Depending on auxiliary pulleys provided between the first pulley and the user, the user may be able to pull or otherwise apply force to the ends of the tension member along any of a variety of trajectories in order to lift the load. Any of a number of additional tools can be coupled to ends of the tension member or members to facilitate lifting of the load by the user with any of a number of muscle groups.

In an example pressing exercise, with the user gripping a cable stirrup handle attached to a tension member, as the athlete begins to press the grip away from their body, the resistance offered to the user is greatest. The further the stirrup from the user's body, the less resistance offered.

The system may also be configured to offer increasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as the distal end of the loading arm moves towards horizontal, decreasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as the second end of the loading arm moves away from horizontal, increasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as the second end of the loading arm moves away from vertical, decreasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as the second end of the loading arm moves towards vertical, increasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as an angle between the loading arm and horizontal decreases, decreasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as an angle between the loading arm and horizontal increases, decreasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as an angle between the loading arm and vertical decreases and increasing resistance at the first end of the tension member as an angle between the loading arm and vertical increases.

The anchor point of the tension memberand its contact with disclosed pulleys can be varied among different arrangements of systemto adjust the relationship between the resistance effectively offered to a user at a first of tension member system and the load applied at the loading arm.illustrates a side view of an example accentuated eccentric loading systemmounted to a rigin a first, one-to-one arrangement in which the user experiences a first load over a first range of motion.illustrates a side view of an example accentuated eccentric loading systemmounted to a rigin a second, three-to-one arrangement in which the user experiences a third of the first load over three times the range of motion of thearrangement. Meanwhileillustrate a side view of an example accentuated eccentric loading system in a third arrangement in which a user experiences half the first load over twice the range of motion of thearrangement.

Disclosed embodiments include loading arm geometry and a configuration of pulley assemblies selected such that, during cable retraction, the user experiences a greater resistive force than during cable advancement, thereby providing accentuated-eccentric loading.

For example, at a loading arm angle of approximately 7.35 degrees concentric resistance peaks with the resistance progressively decreasing as the loading arm moves away from that position.illustrates a plot of loading arm angle vs. user experienced load or resistance (as % of concentric peak) for an example variable loading system in the three arrangements. Solid lines reflect an angle vs. resistance profile for a one-to-one pulley ratio. Dashed lines reflect an angle vs. resistance profile for a two-to-one pulley ratio. Dotted lines reflect an angle vs. resistance profile for a three-to-one pulley ratio.

While in some cases depicted as having first and second sides or side subsystems, disclosed systems may be provided and/or used in a unilateral arrangement.