US5407403A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Forced repetition assist device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-09-10
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Granted: 1995-04-18
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Expires: 2013-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A device which promotes concentric muscle development by automatically rendering assistance to a weightlifter who is experiencing muscle fatigue. The device contains a motor driven cable which can be connected to either a barbell or dumbbells. The device does not affect the weightlifter when not activated, and is activated when the weightlifter lifts the weight slower than a pre-programmed velocity limit. In addition the device functions as a safety apparatus in that it slows the downward travel of a weight which has exceeded a pre-programmed velocity limit.
Inventors
- 👤 Vernon Coleman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:59
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B21/00; A63B21/00181; A63B21/06; A63B21/078; A63B21/00058; A63B2220/00; A63B2220/30; A63B2220/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: (a) first and second dumbbells; (b) a first elongate member connected to opposite ends of said first dumbbell; (c) a second elongate member connected to opposite ends of said second dumbbell; (d) a first elongate flexible member, each end of said first elongate flexible member connected to said first and second elongate member respectively; (e) a second elongate flexible member, one end of said second elongate flexible member connected to said first elongate flexible member; (f) a support means for supporting said second elongate flexible member operatively above a user; (g) a velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said second elongate flexible member; (h) a governing means couplable to said second elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said second elongate flexible member so as to raise said first and second dumbbells; (i) a control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said second elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: (a) first and second dumbbells; (b) a first elongate member connected to opposite ends of said first dumbbell; (c) a second elongate member connected to opposite ends of said second dumbbell; (d) a first elongate flexible member, each end of said first elongate flexible member connected to said first and second elongate member respectively; (e) a second elongate flexible member, one end of said second elongate flexible member connected to said first elongate flexible member; (f) a support means for supporting said second elongate flexible member operatively above a user; (g) a velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said second elongate flexible member; (h) a governing means couplable to said second elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said second elongate flexible member so as to raise said first and second dumbbells; (i) a control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said second elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assist device of claim 1 wherein said velocity sensing means comprises a shaft encoder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assist device of claim 1 wherein said cable governor means includes an electric motor and electric clutch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assist device of claim 1 wherein said control means includes a general purpose microprocessor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
150 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: an elongate flexible member; a first pulley connected to one end of said elongate flexible member; a first cable operatively connected to said first pulley; a second and a third pulley respectively connected to the respective ends of said first cable; a second and a third cable respectively operatively connected to said second pulley and said third pulley; first and second dumbbells respectively connected to said second cable and said third cable; support means for supporting said elongate flexible member operatively above a user; velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said elongate flexible member; governing means couplable to said elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said elongate flexible member so as to raise said dumbbells; control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
150 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: an elongate flexible member; a first pulley connected to one end of said elongate flexible member; a first cable operatively connected to said first pulley; a second and a third pulley respectively connected to the respective ends of said first cable; a second and a third cable respectively operatively connected to said second pulley and said third pulley; first and second dumbbells respectively connected to said second cable and said third cable; support means for supporting said elongate flexible member operatively above a user; velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said elongate flexible member; governing means couplable to said elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said elongate flexible member so as to raise said dumbbells; control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: an elongate flexible member; a first pulley connected to one end of said elongate flexible member; a first cable operatively connected to said first pulley; a second and a third cable respectively connected to opposite ends of said first cable; first and second dumbbells respectively connected to said second cable and said third cable; support means for supporting said elongate flexible member operatively above a user; velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said elongate flexible member; governing means couplable to said elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said elongate flexible member so as to raise said dumbbells; control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
132 words
A forced repetition assist device comprising: an elongate flexible member; a first pulley connected to one end of said elongate flexible member; a first cable operatively connected to said first pulley; a second and a third cable respectively connected to opposite ends of said first cable; first and second dumbbells respectively connected to said second cable and said third cable; support means for supporting said elongate flexible member operatively above a user; velocity sensing means for sensing the speed and direction of longitudinal travel of said elongate flexible member; governing means couplable to said elongate flexible member for selectively retracting said elongate flexible member so as to raise said dumbbells; control means for directing said governing means to selectively retract said elongate flexible member based on input from said velocity sensing means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-17 | 1998-10-17 | 1999-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-17 | 2002-10-17 | 2003-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-17 | 2006-10-17 | 2007-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |