Abstract:
Hydraulic fitness equipment requires a push and pull effort by a user. The present invention comprises of a hydraulic control device and method for controlling the resistance settings of fluid-based hydraulic fitness equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic control device is in fluid communication with the fluid-based hydraulic system of the fitness equipment and is able to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid in two directions using dual proportional independent resistance valves and dual opposing one-way hydraulic flow valves. The hydraulic control device controls the fluid resistance of the push effort, independently from the fluid resistance of the pull effort.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority of and is related to U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Electronic Control for Hydraulic Exercise Equipment” (Ser. No. 60/620,714), filed Oct. 22, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application entitled “Electronic Control for Hydraulic Exercise Equipment” (Ser. No. 60/630,657), filed Nov. 26, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to fluid-based hydraulic systems, and more specifically to a control system for fluid-based hydraulic systems for fitness equipment wherein the level of resistance can be controlled and adjusted according to an individual&#39;s desired settings.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Fitness equipment typically found in a commercial fitness club incorporate hydraulic cylinders to create resistance in place of weights. Generally, the hydraulic cylinders used were conventional shock absorbing cylinders used in the automotive industry. However, a disadvantage of this type of hydraulic system for fitness equipment is that the resistance level is not adjustable by the user. As a result, users who are not experienced with the equipment, or who are not in a healthy physical condition, would have to exercise at the same level and degree of intensity as users who are experienced with the equipment and are in a typically healthy physical condition. Furthermore, users are unable to modify their workout routine either to receive a more “cardiovascular” or aerobic workout, which requires that the level of resistance be set at a lower range to decrease the degree of effort by the user, or to receive a more “power” workout, which requires that the level of resistance be set at a higher range to increase the degree of effort by the user.  
         [0004]     In an attempt to overcome these deficiencies, conventional fitness equipment has been modified to provide a control knob to adjust the resistance level of the hydraulic shock absorbers. However, such fitness equipment still has several disadvantages. Firstly, the hydraulic cylinders are typically mounted to the fitness equipment in locations that are not readily or conveniently accessible to the user while the equipment is in use. As a result, users are required to stop their workout routine in order to locate the control knobs and to change the resistance settings of the equipment. Furthermore, this is usually a very difficult task because the control knobs typically do not have any markings or references to indicate the level of resistance. Secondly, even if the user takes the time to locate the control knobs, which are usually located underneath the fitness equipment, the user has to remember their resistance settings for that particular piece of equipment. Additionally, most commercial fitness clubs offer a minimum of eight to fifteen specialized pieces of fitness equipment. Accordingly, it is not easy for a user to remember their push and pull settings for each piece of fitness equipment in order to adjust each piece of fitness equipment prior to or during their workout, and then re-set each piece of fitness equipment back to the standard settings after use and before moving on to the next piece of fitness equipment.  
         [0005]     In fitness clubs that offer “circuit training” programs in which each participant operates and moves between various pieces of fitness equipment within a set amount of time, a user only has a short period of time to make any adjustments to the fitness machine. For example, some fitness clubs promote a circuit training program in which the user is to exercise on a particular piece of equipment for 30 seconds, then move to the next piece of equipment for 30 seconds, and so on until the circuit is completed. Consequently, it would be an advantage to provide a control system for hydraulic fitness equipment which can adjust the resistance level of the equipment easily and quickly.  
         [0006]     Currently, only a small number of fitness clubs offer fitness equipment that incorporates adjustable shock absorbers. Nevertheless, these fitness clubs do not want nor desire their members to indiscriminately alter the resistance settings of the fitness equipment because unknowledgeable members could inadvertently hurt themselves by setting the equipment to an improper resistance level. This is a significant liability risk for fitness clubs. Furthermore, among the fitness clubs that use fitness equipment with adjustable shock absorbers, the users are not permitted to make adjustments to the fitness equipment. Typically, the owner of the fitness club determines and sets the resistance level of the fitness equipment based on the age demographics of the members of their fitness club. For example, in a fitness club in which the users are predominantly elderly, the resistance values would be set in the lower ranges. If the fitness club was populated predominantly be younger and more athletic users, then the resistance values would be set to higher levels. However, this system of adjustment is problematic for both the users and the fitness club. For example, as the fitness level of the user increases, the user will feel that the fitness equipment cannot accommodate their particular fitness level and goals. As a result of their inability to benefit from their fitness membership, these users will typically stop their exercise regime and cancel their membership at the club.  
         [0007]     In addition, conventional hydraulic systems used in fitness equipment cannot accommodate users who have pre-existing medical problems or injuries. For example, the user may be unable to exert the same amount of strength and effort in each limb, or may be unable to exert the same amount of strength for the push and pull effort. These particular users would benefit from fitness equipment, which can provide different levels of resistance for each limb or in different directions of movement. Currently, these users have no choice but to use standard equipment that is not manufactured to accommodate their needs or health concerns.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Hydraulic fitness equipment requires a push and pull effort by a user. Since each individual has different personal physical requirements, the push and pull must be calibrated for their specific fitness level in order to maximize the benefit to the user. The present invention relates to a system and method to control the resistance settings of hydraulic fitness equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a control system for independently controlling the resistance of the push effort and the pull effort.  
         [0009]     One aspect of the present invention is to provide a control device which allows the user to select and adjust their push and pull work out settings to their desired fitness or health concern levels. The resistance settings of the hydraulic fitness equipment can be electronically or manually controlled and adjusted.  
         [0010]     The present invention comprises of a hydraulic control device and method for controlling the resistance settings of fluid-based hydraulic fitness equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic control device is in fluid communication with the fluid-based hydraulic system of the fitness equipment and is able to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid in two directions using dual proportional independent resistance valves and dual opposing one-way hydraulic flow valves.  
         [0011]     Hydraulic control device for exercise equipment having a hydraulic fluid system to create a push effort and a pull effort comprising a first and a second fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the hydraulic fluid system, a first and a second one-way valve, wherein the first one-way valve is coupled within the first fluid conduit and the second one-way valve is coupled within the second fluid conduit, such that the hydraulic fluid in the first and second conduit flow in opposing directions, a first and a second adjustable flow control valve, wherein the first flow control valve is coupled within the first fluid conduit to adjust a fluid resistance of the push effort, and the second flow control valve is coupled within the second fluid conduit to adjust a fluid resistance of the pull effort, and means for controllably adjusting the fluid resistances of the adjustable flow control valves.  
         [0012]     In a further aspect of the present invention, the control system uses a computer, database or microchip containing an individual user&#39;s preferred settings. These preferred settings are communicated to the fitness equipment by a wired or wireless connection and the equipment automatically changes to the user&#39;s desired work out settings. In particular, this allows each piece of fitness equipment to adjust automatically to the user&#39;s personal settings with minimal or no involvement by the user. When the user exits the equipment, it will revert back to its default setting and await the next user. This will allow fitness clubs to continue to offer mass memberships, along with intelligent fitness equipment that accommodates the user&#39;s personal fitness needs and settings. This also assists in clubs membership retention due to the fact that the user can periodically have their user personal settings modified to reflect their enhanced physical improvements. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, an embodiment will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a hydraulic control device of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the hydraulic control device of the present invention depicting the base member;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of a second embodiment of the hydraulic control device of the present invention depicting the base member;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of a hydraulic flow chart for the hydraulic control device of the present invention incorporated with two hydraulic cylinders, and the flow paths of the hydraulic fluid therein;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control device of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]     The present invention comprises of a hydraulic control device  10  for use with fluid-based hydraulic fitness equipment, wherein resistance is created by controlling the movement of the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic system of the fitness equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic control device  10  is sealingly connected to one or more hydraulic cylinders of a fitness equipment, such that the hydraulic control device  10  is in fluid communication with the fluid-based hydraulic system of the fitness equipment and the hydraulic fluid flows between one or more of the hydraulic cylinders and the hydraulic control device  10  through the use of conventional hydraulic hoses, wherein conventional attachment means, such as threaded hose connectors, can be provided to removeably attached the hydraulic control device  10  to the hydraulic hose.  
         [0020]     In one embodiment of the hydraulic control device  10  as illustrated in FIGS.  1  to  3 , the hydraulic control device  10  generally comprises a base member  16 . The base member  16  is preferably fabricated from a solid block of a stiff and non-porous material, such as aluminum, brass, zinc, or plastic, and is preferably of a size that is suitable for mounting onto the frame or display unit of the fitness equipment, such as 4 inches by 4 inches by 1 inch thick. It can be appreciated that larger or smaller dimensions and different shapes will also work satisfactorily to meet the functions of the control device.  
         [0021]     In a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS.  1  to  3 , the base member  16  preferably comprises a first and second fluid conduit  30 ,  40  located within the interior of the base member  16 . The first end region  32  of the first fluid conduit  30  extends through end wall portion  18  to form a first fluid port  24 . The first end region  42  of the second fluid conduit  40  extends through end wall portion  20  to form a second fluid port  26 . The first and second fluid ports  24 ,  26  sealingly engage hydraulic hose  12 ,  14  to removeably attach the hydraulic control device  10  to the hydraulic system of the fitness equipment. The fluid conduits  30 ,  40  and the fluid ports  24 , 26  are preferably fabricated by drilling channels and ports into the solid base member  16 . Alternatively, the fluid conduits  30 ,  40  and fluid ports  24 ,  26  can be fabricated using a conventional casting process to form channels and ports.  
         [0022]     In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first fluid conduit  30  extends from the first fluid port  24  located at the first end region  32 , and extends to the second end region  34 , which interconnects with the second fluid conduit  40  to form the first interconnection point  50 . The second fluid conduit  40  extends from the second fluid port  26  located at the first end region  42 , and extends to the second end region  44 , which interconnects with the first fluid conduit  30  to form the second interconnection point  52 .  
         [0023]     A first flow control valve  60  is positioned within the first fluid conduit  30 , preferably located at a position between the first interconnection  50  and the second interconnection  52 . The first flow control valve  60  may be a conventional flow control valve, such as a rotary valve having its flow control from a fully open position to a fully closed position occurring within the range of  180  degrees to  360  degrees of operation. In one embodiment of the invention, the first flow control valve  60  is sealingly mounted to the base member  16  by drilling and threading the flow control valve  60  into the first fluid conduit  30 . The first flow control valve  60  preferably includes a means  62  for controllably adjusting the rate of hydraulic fluid flow through the first flow control valve  60 . In an embodiment of the invention in which the means  62  can be manually adjusted, the means  62  may be a lever or knob that can be incrementally rotated to adjust the rate of flow through the flow control valve  60 . In an embodiment of the invention in which the means  62  can be electrically adjusted, the means  62  comprises a first electronically computer-controlled proportional actuator  66  that is mechanically attached to the adjustable first flow control valve  60  and to control and set the flow control valve  60  to the individual user&#39;s preferred settings. The first flow control valve  60  may also include a means for monitoring and measuring the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid.  
         [0024]     A second flow control valve  70  is positioned within the second fluid conduit  40 , preferably located at a position between the first interconnection point  50  and the second interconnection point  52 . The second flow control valve  70  may be a conventional flow control valve, such as a rotary valve having its flow control from a fully open position to a fully closed position occurring within the range of  180  degrees to  360  degrees of operation. In one embodiment of the invention, the second flow control valve  70  is sealingly mounted to the base member  16  by drilling and threading the flow control valve  70  into the second fluid conduit  40 . The second flow control valve  70  preferably includes a means  72  for controllably adjusting the rate of hydraulic fluid flow through the second flow control valve  70 . In an embodiment of the invention in which the means  72  can be manually adjusted, the means  72  may be a lever or knob that can beincrementally rotated to adjust the rate of flow through the flow control valve  70 . In an embodiment of the invention in which the means  72  can be electrically adjusted, the means  72  comprises a second electronically computer-controlled proportional actuator  76  that is mechanically attached to the adjustable second flow control valve  70  to automatically control and set the flow control valve  70  to the individual user&#39;s preferred settings. The second flow control valve  70  may also include a means for monitoring and measuring the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid.  
         [0025]     A first one-way check valve  90  is positioned within the first fluid conduit  30 , and is preferably positioned at a point distal to the first fluid port  24 , and positioned between the first interconnection point  50  and the second interconnection point  52 . However, it can be appreciated that the first check valve  90  can be positioned either preceding or subsequent to the first flow control valve  60 . A second one-way check valve  94  is positioned within the second fluid conduit  40 , and is preferably positioned at a point distal to the second fluid port  26 , and positioned between the first interconnection point  50  and the second interconnection point  52 . However, it can be appreciated that the second check valve  94  can be positioned either preceding or subsequent to the second flow control valve  70 .  
         [0026]     With the hydraulic control device  10  of the present invention having been described, a brief description of the operation of the control device  10  will now be discussed.  FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of hydraulic control device  10  of the present invention, with the fluid path of the hydraulic fluid shown. For the purposes of illustration, the hydraulic cylinders of a stair climbing type of exercise machine or “stepper machine” incorporating the hydraulic control device  10  is schematically shown. It can be appreciated that the hydraulic control device  10  of the present invention can be incorporated into any fluid-based hydraulic fitness equipment having at least one or more hydraulic cylinders.  
         [0027]     When the piston action of the first hydraulic cylinder of the fitness equipment pushes the hydraulic fluid out of the first hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic fluid exits first hydraulic cylinder and flows through the hydraulic hose  12  to the first fluid port  24  of the hydraulic control device  10 . The hydraulic fluid moves through the first fluid port  24  and passes into the first end region  32  of the first fluid conduit  30 . Since the hydraulic fluid cannot flow through the second check valve  94 , which is a one-way valve, the hydraulic fluid moves through the first fluid conduit  30 . The hydraulic fluid passes through the first check valve  90  and through the first flow control valve  60 , which has been adjusted to create the individual&#39;s desired resistance settings. The hydraulic fluid then moves into the second end region  34  of the first fluid conduit  30 , and passes through the first interconnection  50  and into the first end region  42  of the second fluid conduit  40 . The hydraulic fluid then exits the hydraulic control device  10  from the second fluid port  26 , and moves through a hydraulic hose  14  to the second hydraulic cylinder.  
         [0028]     When the piston action of the second hydraulic cylinder pushes the hydraulic fluid out of the second hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic fluid exits second hydraulic cylinder and flows through the same hydraulic hose  14  to the second fluid port  26  of the hydraulic control device  10 . The hydraulic fluid moves through the second fluid port  26  and passes into the first end region  42  of the second fluid conduit  40 . Since the hydraulic fluid cannot flow through the first check valve  90 , which is a one-way valve, the hydraulic fluid moves through the second fluid conduit to return to the first hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the hydraulic fluid moves through the second check valve  94 , and through the second flow control valve  70 , which is adjusted to create the individual&#39;s desired resistance settings. The hydraulic fluid then moves into the second end region  44  of the second fluid conduit  40 , and passes throught the second interconnection  52  and into the first end region  32  of the first fluid conduit  30 . The hydraulic fluid then exits the hydraulic control device  10  from the first fluid port  24 , and moves through a hydraulic hose  12  to the first hydraulic cylinder. Accordingly, the hydraulic control device  10  permits the user to independently adjust the level of resistance in each flow direction through the use of the opposing one-way check valves  90  and  94  and the two independently controlled flow control valves  60  and  70 .  
         [0029]     In a further embodiment of the invention not illustrated, the first and second fluid conduits can be fabricated by connecting a plurality of tubes or pipe, preferably fabricated from a stiff and non-porous material, such as metal or plastic, to form fluidly connected channels. In this embodiment of the invention, the first and second flow control valves  60 ,  70  and the first and second check valves  90 ,  94  are mounted to the outer surface of the tubes or pipes and drilled and sealingly threaded into the channels. Furthermore, the pipes may be be mounted to the surface of the base member  16  for support. However, other arrangements for supporting the plurality of pipes are possible.  
         [0030]     Furthermore, in accordance with the principles of the invention, it can be appreciated that a plurality of interconnected fluid conduits can be positioned within the interior of the base member  16 .  
         [0031]     In a further embodiment of the invention wherein the hydraulic control device  10  is electronically controlled and set, electronically computer-controlled proportional actuators are mechanically attached to the adjustable flow control valves. In one embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the proportionate actuators  66 ,  76  are mounted to the surface of the base member  10  by screws and the protruding actuator rotator is threaded into the surface, aligned and thread sealed. The first and second one-way check valves  90  and  94  are also threaded into place, aligned and thread sealed. The two actuators  66  and  76  have electric wires that connect the actuators  66  and  76  with a computer, and are preferably independent electrically controlled. Software is used to actuate the actuators  66 ,  76 , which independently rotate the first and second flow control valves to correspond to the desired amount of resistance. As the user begins motion on the exercise equipment, the hydraulic fluid flows through the hydraulic control device  10  as previously described. A brief description of the operation of this embodiment will now be discussed.  
         [0032]     During the initial set up, a staff member of the fitness club will gather the user&#39;s personal health and fitness data, and will input the information into a computer database. The user&#39;s equipment settings are initially set at the lowest level for each piece of fitness equipment, and the staff member will take the user to each piece of fitness equipment to measure the user&#39;s fitness and comfort level for each piece of fitness equipement. With the use of a portable transmitter, the staff member will record the user&#39;s fitness and comfort level to adjust the user&#39;s profile.  
         [0033]     During the user&#39;s subsequent exercise sessions, the invention is preferably used as follows: 
        A. the user sits or stands on the equipment to activate a micro pressure switch located under the user area to activate the link to the computer system;     B. the user swipes their personal tag (with bar coding) through the laser scanner attached to the equipment to identify the user and to identify the the specific piece of equipment;     C. the user&#39;s identification that was gathered by the laser scanner is transmitted via the equipment&#39;s system link connection to the computer;     D. the computer retrieves the user&#39;s profile and settings for that specific piece of equipment, and transmits to the equipment the user&#39;s profile settings for that specific piece of equipment; 
            (a) this can be achieved through the use of a dedicated hard wired line or wireless connection to that piece of equipment, or     (b) through a single, non dedicated master line or wireless connection which transmits simultaneously to all the equipment, and each piece of equipment has their own specific identification code that will only allow communications originating from the computer to affect that specific piece of equipment.    
            E. once the equipment receives the user&#39;s profile and settings, the electronic valve controllers in the hydraulic control device  10  will automatically adjust the hydraulic settings to the user&#39;s specific settings. In addition, the equipment may include a LCD monitor to display information, such as, Current Status, Best to Date Status, Goals.;     F. the handle grips of the equipment may include “instant pulse” sensors that will transmit directly to the LCD display the users “instant pulse”. and will discontinue when the user removes their hand from the sensor;     G. When the user exits from the equipment, the micro pressure switch located under the user area, such as the seats vinyl wrap section, deactivates and the LCD monitor returns to a “neutral” status. Alternatively, the equipment settings may remain constant until commands are received from a new user&#39;s profile setting.        
 
         [0043]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the hydraulic control device  10  of the present invention preferably includes a cover member  100  for housing the base member  16  together with the valves  60 , 70 , 90  and  94  and any electronic components within the inner cavity of cover member  100 . The cover member  100  can be made of any suitable stiff material, such as metal or plastic, for covering and protecting the components contained within the inner cavity, and preferably has dimensions which allows for the base member  16  together with the valves  60 , 70 , 90  and  94 , and any electronic components to be housed comfortably within the inner cavity of cover member  100 . Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention in which the means  62  and  72  is manually adjusted, the means  62 ,  72 , such as a lever or knob, protrudes through openings in the cover member  100  to allow the user to manually adjust the flow control valves  60 ,  70 .  
         [0044]     Furthermore, by varying the length of the hydraulic hose  12 ,  14 , the hydraulic control device  10  can be place in any location and position on a piece of fitness equipment. This ensures that the hydraulic control device  10  can be easily accessible when adjustments are to be made manually by the user.  
         [0045]     Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention and certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention permits of further modification in arrangement and detail. All such modifications are covered by the scope of the invention.