Patent Publication Number: US-2019192914-A1

Title: Pulsatile resistive exerciser

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     In accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,290, entitled “PULSATILE RESISTIVE EXERCISER”, filed Dec. 20, 2017. The contents of which the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to the field of stationary bike and in particular to an improvement in stationary bike controls employing variable pulsating resistance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stationary bikes allow the rider to obtain the benefits of bicycle riding without the associated dangers. It is well known that bicycle riding provides many benefits to the muscular, neurological, skeletal, and cardio vascular systems of the individual. A great benefit of outdoor bicycle riding is that when environmental conditions are good, bicycling is so enjoyable that the rider is distracted from the physical exertion that provides healthy exercise. It is also well known that outdoor bike riding can be dangerous subjecting the rider to sun, rain, adverse temperatures, road hazards and so forth. For this reason, many manufacturers have strived to make stationary bicycling more enjoyable and reproduce some of the outdoor bicycling benefits without the hazards. For instance, stationary bicycles can now be equipped with computer displays providing scenic reproductions. Further, the stationary bicycle may include resistance that can track the scenic displays providing the rider with the sensation that they are traversing hills. Stationary bikes have further progressed to provide the rider with muscle rehabilitation. The stationary bike has now become a fitness device to train and enhance a user&#39;s muscles and cardio-respiratory capacity. 
     Similarly, an elliptical bike, also referred to as a cross-trainer, is a stationary piece of exercise equipment also used for cardiovascular fitness. An elliptical bike reduces the impact on bones and joints during exercise whereas instead of repeatedly landing on the feet as one might do when running, the feet must place constant pressure on the gliding pedals through an elliptical range. Working out on the elliptical bike is gentler on ankles, knees, and hips resulting in fewer injuries. Models either resemble an upright or reclining bike with large pedals that flow in a circular motion when powered by the legs and feet. Many models also have hand grips that allow for a front-to-back motion targeting more muscle groups than typically employed when riding conventional or stationary bikes. Stationary or elliptical machines are usually recommended for people at all levels of physical fitness are often used during physical therapy because they provide a low or no-impact exercise. Similarly, an upper extremity rotational exerciser, also referred to as an arm-exerciser, is a stationary piece of exercise equipment used to strengthen the arms and for cardiovascular fitness. An upper extremity exerciser reduces the impact on bones and joints that may occur with weight training. 
     All known current stationary bikes including elliptical bicycles either exert a constant or near constant stress on a muscle. If the pressure is applied throughout a rotation such as the case with elliptical bikes, a constant stress on a rotation or a constant stress exerts a near constant or smooth transition stress on the muscle and nerve being trained. Examples are weights with gravity resistance, exercise bikes with constant or slowly changing stresses, elliptical exercisers, or weight machines. The limitations of these devices are that the stress changes so slowly over time in comparison to the speed of fast twitch muscle fibers or a reflex, that the reflexes spinal cord neurons and fast twitch muscles are not fully engaged. Persons that have spinal cord injuries or brain disease that reduce the cortical stimulation of the lower motor neurons weaken even though the muscles are normal, and the muscle lower motor neuron interface is intact. 
     Thus, what is lacking in the training and rehabilitation industry is a method and apparatus for enhancing the exercise and rehabilitation aspects of both stationary and elliptical bikes by providing resistance changes that take place over millisecond time frames. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A pulsatile resistive exerciser control system for use on a conventional stationary bike, upper extremity exerciser or elliptical bike. The control system changes the resistance that a muscle feels in the millisecond time frame. Resistance can be increased, decreased or patterned. Movement can be muscle generated or motor generated. 
     An objective of the invention is to teach the use of resistance changes directed to a stationary bike to cause reflex stimulation of a muscle, and neuroplasticity training of the spinal cord neuron reflex pathway. 
     Another objective of the invention is to disclose the use of a control system for use on a stationary bike or elliptical bike for providing resistance changes to the pedals that take place over millisecond time frame. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to disclose an apparatus to provide resistance combined with precise timing to cause resistance at a particular position during pedal rotation to cause specific muscle stimulation and or nerve stimulation. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to disclose an apparatus to provide resistance combined with precise timing to cause reduction in resistance at a specific position during pedal rotation to cause reduction in muscle stimulation and or nerve stimulation. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to disclose an apparatus that drives the rotation which provide resistance to an inactive limb combined with precise timing to cause increase resistance at a position during pedal rotation to cause specific muscle resistance. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to disclose an apparatus that drives the rotation which provide resistance to an inactive limb combined with precise rotational patterned speed and timing to cause increase resistance at a position during pedal rotation to cause increase resistance of specific muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. 
     Still another objective of the invention is to disclose an apparatus that drives the rotation which provide resistance to an inactive limb combined with precise timing to cause decrease resistance at a position during pedal rotation to cause reduction of stress on healing joints, tendons and ligaments. 
     Yet still another objective of the invention is to disclose the use of various methods to provide a sudden change in the resistance of a stationary bike pedal in an amount to recruit the reflex stimulation of a muscle. 
     Another objective of the invention is to provide a control system that provides precise resistance input during exercise and training to stimulate reflex activity in the spinal cord to improve strength and coordination training. 
     Yet still another objective of the invention is to disclose the use of a control system to provide training at the muscle stretch receptor, the tendon stretch receptors, the lower motor neurons and the spinal cord ganglion when the brain communication is less than normal. 
     Yet still another objective of the invention is to disclose the use of a two directional pedal torque sensor system which is used in feedback to the user and the control system. 
     Other objectives and further advantages and benefits associated with this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, examples and claims which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right-side pictorial view of a stationary bike with the pulsatile resistive system of the instant invention; 
         FIG. 2  is front view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a pictorial left side view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial view of the display unit; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram to initiate right side control; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram to initiate left side control; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram to Start to Stop control; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the Pedal torque sensor and communication system; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a graph of Time vs. Watts Out; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a graph of Watts in and Watts out; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a graph of Watts out over time; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a graph of Watts out over time; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a graph of Watts out over time; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a graph of Watts out without pulse; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a screen display of pedal speed and pulse position; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a screen display of the selector between variable control, focus control and screen setup; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a screen display of pedal speed, RPM and watts; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a screen display of target time vs target RPM; 
         FIG. 19  is a chart of Peak Power; 
         FIG. 20  is a chart of Activation; 
         FIG. 21  is a chart of Relaxation; 
         FIG. 22  is data output display of operational characteristics; 
         FIG. 23  is a data output display of pedal position, steady and pulse load. 
         FIG. 24  is a flow diagram of the program logic to record a pattern workout specific to an individual; 
         FIG. 25  is a flow diagram of the program logic to use a patterned workout specific to an individual; 
         FIG. 26  is a flow diagram of the program logic to initiate motor support of movement and choose pattern of support; 
         FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of the program logic to display and adjust pedal sensor feedback; 
         FIG. 28  is a flow diagram of the program logic to spare a specific ligament by reduction of resistance at a specific location; 
         FIG. 29  is a flow diagram of the program logic to initiate an electric stimulus to the same muscle as timed resistance increase; 
         FIG. 30  is a figure that indicates the data collection sensors. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A detailed embodiment of the instant invention is disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , illustrated is a pulsatile resistive exerciser  10  adapted for use on a conventional stationary bike  12  rotary arm exerciser or elliptical bike. The resistive exerciser  10  changes the resistance that a muscle feels in the millisecond time frame by control of a drive wheel  16  that is rotated by pedals  18  coupled to the drive wheel by a flexible chain  20 . The resistive exerciser  10  is mounted to the stationary bike  12  having a drive belt  22  secured to an electric alternator  24 , also referred to in the industry as a generator. The alternator  24  that is modified to allow for the modulation of the alternator output thereby allowing for the pulsation of resistance. The resistive exerciser  10  is controlled by a control system  26  which includes a programmable CPU used to collect and display data, and provide feedback during the exercise. The pedal position is determined by a variety of position sensors on the bottom bracket which holds the pedal arms which hold the pedals. One version of rotatory sensor is an optical sensor with light obstruction objects that rotate through the path. The resistive exerciser can be set to exert a rapid increase or decrease in the resistance on the pedal  18  at a specified point in the rotation of the stationary bike drive wheel  16 , similar upper extremity bike like drive or to a gliding pedal of an elliptical bike, not shown, thus exerting a force on a specific muscle. While a stationary bike is illustrated, the control system and mechanisms can be adapted to an elliptical bike or an upper extremity rotatory exerciser and considered with the scope of this invention. 
     The pulsatile resistive exerciser  10  can be set to the parameters of a specific individuals needs as determined by a physician trainer or physical therapist. Once set the person can rotate the pedals  18  with their feet or arms in the normal operational mode. While pedaling, the control system measures minimum output and if sufficient, increases the resistance felt in a constant manner. The control system then adds or subtracts resistance at a specific point or time in the rotation which results in an increased or decreased force felt by the muscle. The force is also detected by the spinal cord reflex neurons which increased the exercise output of that specific muscle by recruiting the reflex stimulation of the muscle. A display module  30  provides preprogrammed function keys  32 , a pulse location indicator  34 , an rpm monitor  36  and pulse width indicator  38 . 
     The control system provides a method and mechanism to suddenly increase resistance during exercise and training. Change in resistance that stimulates reflex activity in the spinal cord as a method of strength and coordination training. The advantage is that training can occur at the muscle stretch receptor, the tendon stretch receptors, the lower motor neurons and the spinal cord ganglion when the brain communication is less than normal such as in patients with spinal cord injury or Parkinsonism. The other advantage is that training can occur differentially for rehabilitation. 
     There are several alternative methods to create the sudden changed in resistance during exercise. For instance, magnetic particle resistance clutches, fluid powered resistance, mechanical brake resistance, electro-mechanical, reverse direction electric motor  163  are all considered obvious alternatives to the disclosed control. The apparatus can also be combined with precise timing to be used with muscle stimulation, and or nerve stimulation during training. 
     The control system  26  is electrically coupled to the motor to cause rotation of said drive wheel at alternating rates wherein said drive pedals are instructed to cause reflex stimulation to the muscles of the individual coupled to said drive pedals, the alternating rates provide a resistance to said drive pedals at a rate that is measured over millisecond time frames. The resistance is preferably variable and in one embodiment the alternating rates are timed to cause braking during pedal rotation to cause muscle stimulation and or nerve stimulation. 
     The control system  26  is constructed and arrange to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on an injured muscle during exercise and training to reduce injury; to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on weak joints during exercise and training to reduce injury; to instruct resistance declines to reduce stress on an injured tendon or ligament during exercise and training to reduce injury and enhance healing; to instruct resistance to alternate from left to right is controlled pedals to reduce reflex habituation; to instruct resistance using timing to induce fast twitch muscles over slow twitch muscles to enhance speed training over strength training; to instruct resistance using timing to induce slow twitch muscles over fast twitch muscles to enhance strength training over speed training; to instruct resistance increases and declines at 10-200 hertz to induce bone growth; to instruct resistance is applied at 0.25 hertz to 10 hertz for muscle strength training; to instruct resistance is applied at 14 hertz to 40 hertz to induce increase perception of foot slippage to reduce fall on slippery surfaces; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set or random pattern to reduce brain habituation or pattern recognition of cyclical motion; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern of increase and decrease resistance to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern to train muscle system that are weakened in jobs that have repetitive task; to instruct resistance is controlled in a set pattern to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency; and to instruct resistance developed by driving the pedals alternately with added resistance and controlled in a set pattern to train for a repetitive task that requires movement at a specific frequency like walking. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a drawing of the Two-Dimensional Pedal Torque/Force Sensor and Communication system  200  with the pedal Two direction Force Torque sensors  230  attached to the Pedal Body  220 , which attaches to the bike pedal arm via the pedal screw  210 . A single spherical stress/force/torque sensor  230  is mounted at a 45-degree angle on a pedal body  220  via a connecting rod  231  and held in place via connecting rod screw  232 . A platform that moves in the z dimension in relation to the pedal and attached via a spring pads the Pedal Z Slide allows minimal movement when deflected by downward force of pedaling by user. “The force of the downward movement is measured by the torque sensor  230 . Attached to the Z slide by springs is the Y Slide  250  that moves in the y direction forward and backwards in relation to the pedal. Movement in this slide is detected by the Torque sensor  230  also. The unique dual 45-degree orientation of the 2axis sensor allow for two directional force measurements. The data from the Torque sensor  230  is translated to the communications gear  270 . The communication gear transmits the data to the bike Control system  26 . The pedal Torque sensor  230  detects foot pressure on the pedal and forward strain on the pedal. The data collected by the Two-Dimensional Pedal torque sensor is used to give feedback on a display to the user and to adjust parameters in the programming of the variable resistance bike control system  26 . Slide Z  240  detects forces in one direction, Slide Y  250  detects forces in another position. The pedal platform is depicted as numeral  260 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , a flow diagram is provided regarding the operation of the pulsatile resistive exerciser control system. In operation, the Exerciser Specifications Process Flow consists of the following steps:
     1. Patient gets on exerciser and pushers program exercise   2. Select R side   3. Input your weight   4. Choose one of 5 exercises, “Lift Leg, Push Forward, Push Down or Pull Back, Equal”. As a leg movement.   5. Choose resistance, 0-9
       5.1. Zero is actually assisted in all rotations and balances the counter weight   5.2. 1 is less assistance   5.3. 2 is assistance based on counter weight   5.4. 3-9 are progressive resistance from 25-150 watts   
       6. Choose Speed 1.1-5.9 MPH   7. Finish R leg, select L leg   8. Choose one of 5 exercises, “Lift Leg, Push Forward, Push Down or Pull Back, Equal”. As a leg movement.
 
9. Choose resistance, 0-9
       9.1. Zero is actually assisted in all rotations and balances the counter weight   9.2. 1 is less assistance   9.3. 2 is assistance based on counter weight   9.4. 3-9 are progressive resistance from 25-150 watts   
       10. Choose Speed 1.1-5.9 MPH   11. START
       11.1. Assume bottom dead center is zero degrees   11.2. Physically place index of encoders at 10 degrees past bottom dead center so it is detected immediately after starting motor.   11.3. Energize R motor in clockwise direction (as it appears from R side) for 160 degrees at 1.1 MPH   11.4. Energize L motor at 1.1 MPH   11.5. Detect R and L index encoders and encoder   
       12. Slowly increase motors to the chosen speed.   13. Keep motors in 180 degrees out of sync+/−10 degrees
       13.1. If powering motors, reduce power input to faster motor   13.2. If resisting, increasing resistance to faster motor.   13.3. Assume slowing if out of sync.   
       14. SLOW   15. STOP   

     The control system  26  can be programmed to: 
     1) increase and decrease at a specific location, e.g. 45 degrees and 120 degrees on a 360-degree basis; 
     2) increase level, wattage up and wattage down; 
     3) base wattage and added wattage; 
     4) pattern of increase wattage; 
     5) Rotational speed RPM; 
     6) Wattage change by rotational speed; 
     7) Select a specific muscle group; 
     8) Select a specific pattern from an inventory of patterns 
     9) Select a specific patient with a preset workout; 
     10) Amount of workout in time; 
     11) To collect data and is obvious; 
     This allows the control system with data collection from a variety of sensors to determine strength of specific muscles by suddenly adding or subtracting effort and determining the rate of slowdown or speedup of the muscle to specific pattern of exhaustion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-14 , set forth is an operational example.  FIG. 9  depicts a graph of Time vs. Watts Out while holding constant at 70 RPM, with a steady load set at 0% and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds until 30 times had been cycled at 100% steady load.  FIG. 10  depicts a graph of Watts in and Watts out over a revolution. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 25% for the duration of the study, RPM was held constant at 70 RPM, pulse was set to 0% and then increased by increments of 25% every 30 seconds until 100 pulse was recorded for 30 seconds. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 0% and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds. No pulse was recorded. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a graph of Watts out over time while holding a steady load constant at 0% and 55 RPM and increased in increments of 25% every 30 seconds until fatiguing at 75% steady load prior to completing 30 seconds. No pulse was recorded. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a graph of Watts out without pulse. 
     Exerciser Data Display 
     Input 
     
         
         
           
             1. On/Off Manual switch, may be on for one person or all day. 
             2. Start? Stop? (optional) 
             3. Choose R or Left leg. 
             4. Choose the base line RPM 
             5. Choose the base effort in Watts 
             6. Choose where in the rotation to increase effort, if a pott issued for input then 0-full should be 0-360 degrees. This will be based on 36 point input or every 10 degrees. This is based on looking from the outside at the person. 
             7. Choose duration of increase effort 30-330 degrees 
             8. Choose duration of workout 
             9. Choose display of information (Watts, Calories . . . ) 
             10. In the future we can choose effort assist. 
           
         
       
    
     Output 
     
         
         
           
             1. Display R or Left with a word or symbol 
             2. Display RPM as a number with units 
             3. Display Watts output as a number (average the base effort not total, not during effort, update per revolution, or every 3 seconds) 
             4. Display the increased effort in Watts, like a bar graph bouncing up and down, (rapid response) 
             5. Display a circle as a gauge and display when in 10 degree increments the wattage is increased. It may be a blue circle and a quadrant becomes green for the duration of the increased effort for the most recent cycle. 
             6. Display duration of continuous effort, if they stop peddling, clock stops. Record total time from start to end, until they push Stop or 10 minutes of no effort. 
             7. Data a portion of which is displayed in  FIG. 19-23   
           
         
       
    
       FIGS. 24-29  are flow diagrams of pattern workouts that can be made specific to an individual operating the device. The pattern is inputted through the control system, the display indicating the operational aspects of the control system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , a drawing of the pulsatile resistive exerciser  10  that depicts the position of the data collector sensors such as photo in-coders  160 , watt meter  161 , voltage meter  162 , and strain gauge  163 . 
     The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.” The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features, possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims.