FITNESS SECTOR

Technical Field

The invention relates to a computer controlled system design for Smith Machine with high security properties used for weight workout in fitness sector, which takes the weight applied by the user from the drive, and which is able to both set the weight gradually and provide different exercise options to the user.

State of The Art

A standard Smith Machine utilized for weight workout provides user to perform power exercises through moving weight insertable bars in a perpendicular direction by the user, i.e. sporter on a guide rail. The user inserts desired weight portion for lifting on the bar and works either by sitting or standing according to the desired type of exercise. The user performs a workout against gravity by lifting and lowering the fixed weight that is inserted to bar before exercise. The weight used throughout the exercise is fixed. If it is desired to increase or decrease the weight, it is necessary to interrupt the exercise and replace the weights on the system again by the user. This is the way a standard Smith Machine operates. However, this system has some drawbacks. Uppermost there is a drawback relating security. Most of the Smith Machines has a mechanical lock system and this system needs to be activated by the user. However, when the user is under a certain load, it is challenging for them to activate the lock. When the user wishes to complete the exercise, they rotate the bar and lock the weight by fitting the hooks at the end of bar into the pins on the edge of guide rails.

These devices, which are advantageous regarding providing balance during use and isolating technical problems, introduce the risk of injury if the locking mechanism is not used properly as well. Since the targeted group of muscle would work isolated during the workout, stabilizer muscles may not be actively involved in comparison with the workout done with free weight. In this scenario, since the group of fatigued muscles would tend to end the motion as a reflex, this lock mechanism plays a vital role for preventing the injury. With all these limited capabilities, the user has three options when using standard Smith Machine. When being forced, the user either gets anxious and interrupt the training or difficultly continues the training and perform one or two more lifting, which in this case would be inefficient due to lower count of lifting. In another scenario, the user could not lift the weight to be trapped under it, which causes severe injuries or even death.

In addition, as other conventional fitness equipment, Standard Smith Machine also operates against muscle building logic. When we investigate hypertrophy formation (muscle growth), it is seen that during training micro-dimensional corrosions are formed in muscle fibers. This means, muscle degradation process takes place during sets performed in training. The reaction to these micro ruptures that are formed in the muscles during training is further growth of muscle cells in volume in the process of recovery. This growth takes place to react the resistances during training with greater power. Further this is essential for a larger and fitter appearance. In this kind of exercises, it is important to determine the workout speed of the muscles by the number of sets and repetitions. As the user is adapted to training, it is necessary to regularly update the tracked resistance sizes. The power generated at the initial angles of the movement are always much larger to overcome inertia. However, due to this inertia the generation of power can remain at low levels on some angles. As locking mechanisms utilized in standard Smith Machines are positioned at standard intervals, these may remain either too high or too low depending on anatomic features of the user. This may require changing desired initial angles or possibly initiating the movement, such that the generation of the power corresponds to a point where it is highly challenging. In addition to ignoring this exerted extra power for planning number of sets and repetitions, due to lack of micro-traumas which are desired to be created every angle of the muscle, the gain effect of desired hypertrophy can be suppressed. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the weight by a support for preventing injuries which may occur with continued sets even after fatigue takes place. In this case, unfortunately desired amount of reduction cannot be done. With this scenario, weight reduction is more than desired, where it is essential to adjust the amount of which, considering training effect is accomplished especially with last repetitions. Due to this, all of these conventional fitness equipment may operate more inefficiently.

The micro ruptures formed in the muscles during training are renewed by the body during recovery; hypertrophy (muscle growth) is provided, thus muscle is strengthened. Due to this, the muscles need to be strained throughout the training in order for the body to build muscle. The user needs to lift as much weight as possible through performing repetitions by any means necessary in order to accomplish this. Yet, it is not beneficial to lift a lower weight with many repetitions. This means that, the muscles should be strained by any means necessary. However, this is where the problem emerges. Because of the fatigue factor, human anatomy does not permit to lift a challenging weight with many repetitions. The amount of weight that a human can lift is steadily reduced because of the fatigue. In other words, in the best-case scenario is that while the user is training, weight should be reduced regularly.

In the development of power, the muscle elongation-shortening cycle (isotonic contraction) is important in planning a balanced and correct training. Contractions (eccentric) which generates power by elongation in the basic training planning, which especially needs to be developed through 1 maximal repetition (MT) training of the maximal power generation, can increase over 5-25% of 1 MT. The power generated in such contractions are much more, than the muscles can generate while shortening. In thus planned trainings, the basic problem is that; the weight that is utilized in the movement in gravity direction cannot be brought back to its initial position. Because it is not possible to lift this weight which is over 1 MT. In this case, the weight should be fixed in a locking mechanism and the weights thereon should be reduced and weight should be brought back to its initial position. For this to happen, the user is needed to remove the weights single-handedly and bring it to its initial position and again insert the weights that is removed, or weights are needed to bring back to this position by a supporter. Considering the load and resting relation, this work done during the rest period that is needed, may reduce the desired efficiency of sporter by this method. This is why this exhaustive method is not preferable by individuals. Furthermore, fixing the speed of movement in conventional exercise methods, is difficult and of low possibility. The advantage of moving at a fixed speed is that; the highest power can be generated at any angle in the joint range of movement where the movement is performed. This means for us, muscle capability for participating in movement and of its power generation in the angular areas that is passed by low activation of muscle are developed.

In addition, since weight is continuously lifted and lowered in a training with standard Smith Machine, development of muscle is of two types. These are termed as eccentric and concentric phases. As the sporter lifts the weight upwards, muscles are shortened and contracted, which is called concentric contraction. As the sporter lowers the weight downward, muscles are elongated. This is called eccentric contraction. With a standard Smith Machine, it is highly inconvenient for a sporter to do only one of these. For example, when the sporter wishes to workout solely on concentric phase, sporter positions the bar below, inserts the weights, then begins to work out to once again lift the weight and locks the weight above. Then again sporter removes the weights from the bar, lowers the bar and inserts the weights again in the below, and performs the same work out process again. However, the opposite of these is performed in eccentric phase. This causes a serious loss of time and condition for the users of standard Smith Machine.

Object of The Invention

Present invention relates to a machine which provides both preventing a sporter to be injured and ensure them to perform training as otherwise couldn't be performed with a conventional Smith Machine, as well as, make it possible a more efficient and effective muscle building. For this to happen, weight station is developed by attaching an electrical motor, i.e. a drive and a micro processor control unit to control it, an encoder, a magnetic brake mechanism helps to braking, touch trigger and touch display thereon.

The primary difference of the system from a conventional Smith Machine is that; the need of inserting weights is overcome. This means that, this system operates by the drive force without weights. Furthermore, the user data will be recorded and work out settings will be automatically loaded before starting training, by the smart phone application developed for the system.

With the torque generated by the drive placed on the system, it is formed a resistance against sporter. Since a fixed physical weight is no longer lifted, the amount of weight during training can be automatically increased or decreased. Thus, more types of training than training performed in a standard Smith Machine can be applied on sporters. Furthermore, since there is no physical weight, the danger for the sporter to drop the weight is overcome. Also, the continuity of the training can be provided by reducing the amount of torque applied at a point where the sporter is exhausted.

The invention provides;

- Eliminating security weaknesses,

- Preventing the injuries due to training, - Ensuring desired muscle development,

- Tracking the development of sporter,

- Loading the sporter with suitable weight.

Detailed Description of Invention Description of Figures:

Fig-1: General View of Smith Machine

Fig-2: Detailed View of The drive Box and Parts Thereof Fig-3: Rear View of Smith Machine Fig-4: Blown-Up View of Braking System Fig-5: Sectional View of Braking System Fig-6: Smith Machine View with and Alternative Weight

Reference Numbers: 1. Chassis

2. Touch Trigger

3. Guide Bar

4. Magnetic Brake Mechanism

5. The drive 6. Roller

7. Control Unit with Micro Processor

8. Bearing

9. Display

11. Timing chain 12. Belt

13. Chassis Bearing

14. Bar

15. Shaft

16. Root Connector 17. Bar Connector 18. The drive Box 19. Encoder

20. Brake Housing

21. Lock Gear

22. Electromagnet

23. Thread

99. Smith Machine

The invention relates to a computer controlled system design for Smith Machine (99) used in fitness sector, and as seen in Fig-1, chassis (1) is one of the main elements of the invention. The front part of the chassis (1) is connected to the belt (12) which passes the guide bar (3) and the roller (6).

As seen in Fig-3, threads (23) are formed angularly on the interior surface of the front part of the chassis (1). Said threads (23) may be in a variety of numbers and is facing opposite of lock gear (21) which is contacted thereupon for locking. In other words, the angles and/or positions of threads

(23) on the interior surface of the front part of the chassis (1) are of structure so as to hold lock gear (21) in contact thereupon.

Two chassis (1) are fixed from top part with root connector (16). Said two chassis (1) also fixed from the bottom part with the drive box (18) on the rear bottom part of the chassis (1). Thus, the frame of the Smith Machine (99) as seen in Fig-1 which is equipped with the elements of the invention is formed.

As seen from Fig-1, bottom edge of a chassis (1) and bottom edge of another chassis (1) are connected to roller (6) and chassis bearing (13). The belt (12) that passed through the rollers (6) gains its movement from the shaft (15) that is moved by the drive (5).

Rollers (6) makes possible for the belt (12) to move. As a belt (12) can pass above or under a roller (6), also it is possible for said belt (12) to pass between two rollers (6) as seen in Fig-1. Rollers (6) are positioned at the edge points of the machine according to invention. As seen from Fig-2, the shaft (15) which is fixed to the drive box (18) by two bearings (8) gains its movement from the drive

(5) through timing chain (11). The amount of movement force that is transferred to the shaft (15) by the drive (5) is received form control unit with micro processor (7). In another words, control unit with micro processor (7) performs torque as set by the display (9).

Control unit with micro processor (7) is set by the display (9) with touch properties as seen in Fig-1. As the user, i.e. sporter can enter directly from this display (9) manually, it is also possible for them to read the QR code on the display (9) through application, thus the user's prior settings, if any, can be loaded to the system.

Again, as seen in Fig-1 on each guide bar (3), there is placed the bar connector (17) which moves by the force received from the belt (12) to which said guide bar (3) is connected from end to end. The bar (14) that passes through said two bar connectors (17) is connected from one end to bar connector (17) and from another end to another bar connector (17) such that; it is vertical to two parallel guide bars (3). Again, as seen from Fig-1, there is placed the touch trigger (2) on the bar (14). For the user to activate the system, they need to grip touch trigger (2) during training. When the user releases the touch trigger (2), in other words when they stop touching, magnetic brake mechanism (4) is activated as seen from Fig-1.

Another main element of the invention is magnetic brake mechanism

(4) . As seen in Fig-4, magnetic brake mechanism (4) is positioned on the bar connector (17) such that it faces the interior surface of the front part of chassis (1). In Fig-5, it can be seen system parts from the sectional view of magnetic brake mechanism (4). Brake housing (20) provides said magnetic brake mechanism (4) to connect bar connector (17) and also act as a box for lock gear (21) and electromagnet (22). There is an electromagnet (22) in said brake housing (20). It draws lock gear (21) upon and/or releases it, which lock gear is on said electromagnet (22) and covers the brake housing (20) like a lid. That is to say, when the user presses, touches, or grips the touch trigger (2); electromagnet (22) receives an energy and lock gear (21) is drawn upon to said electromagnet (22). Lock gear (21) is lifted from threads (23) which are on the interior surface of the front part of chassis (1) through the action of the user lifting the bar (14), thus allowing training. When the user stops touching to the touch trigger, electromagnet (22) is no longer receives the energy and thus said electromagnet (22) releases the lock gear (21). Along with releasing lock gear (21), the springs between the brake housing (20) and said lock gear (21) pushes the said lock gear (21) towards above the threads (23) which is on interior surface of the front part of the chassis (1). Therefore, the lock gear (21) is locked by fitting into the threads (23) which it contacts. The drive (5) as seen in Fig-1 is another main element of the invention. The drive (5) placed on the system is a servo electrical motor and forms a resistance against the user which performs training with torque. Since a fixed physical weight is no longer lifted by the user, the amount of weight during training can be automatically increased or decreased at an automatically set rate. Thus, more types of training than training performed in a standard Smith Machine (99) are applied on the users. Furthermore, since there is no physical weight, the danger for the sporter to drop the weight is overcome. Also, the continuity of the training is provided by reducing the amount of torque applied at a set rate at a point where the user is exhausted. In other words, when the user can no longer lift the weight and decreases their performance, system senses the condition and supports the user at a set rate.

QR code on display (9) is read through smart phone and/or tablet application before starting the training and the user's prior settings, if any, are loaded to the system through said QR code. Therefore, Smith Machine (99), is set by the application and becomes ready for the user to perform training.

Smith Machine (99) does not necessarily to be set by smart phones and/or tablets. Smith Machine (99) is also can be set by display (9). If desired, the user selects the position of training through the display (9) and later on sets the system again through display (9) for the settings such as the number of repetition and weight. The user sets the system through display (9) for the proportion of weight that they wish to use during training and number of lifts before decreasing or increasing the weight. In other words, the user can set the system for different weight and timing as preferred. After setting is done manually with QR code and/or display (9), the user takes the corresponding position to start the training and presses the touch trigger (2) on the bar (14), namely touches it with their finger. Along with the user touching touch trigger (2), lock gear (21) on the magnetic brake mechanism (4) is drawn by electromagnet (22), and along with said user lifting bar (14), said lock gear (21) released from the threads (23) and the drive (5) applies the torque at a set rate to the user.

During training, torque which is generated by the drive (5), which is transferred to timing chain (11) and shaft (15) and from said shaft (15) to the belts (12), is transferred to the user through the bar (14) as seen in Fig-1 by simultaneous movement of bar connectors (17) on guide bars (3), as seen in Fig-2. System receives the user's workout speed, namely their resistance through encoder (19) which is connected to the drive (5). If the user set the system and/or system was set beforehand, when said user is below the set value, namely when being forced; the drive (5) reduces the torque value. System is a part for measuring whether the user has been forced or not during the training. Encoder (19) informs the control unit with micro processor (7) whether the user has been forced to lift the weight and said system changes the drive (5) torque value in relation to set value.

When the user wishes to end and/or wishes to interrupt the training for any reason, they only need to remove their finger from touch trigger (2), in other words the user stops touching to said touch trigger (2). With stopping touching to the touch trigger (2), electromagnet (22) releases lock gear (21) and said lock gear (21) attaches to the threads (23) on the front surface of the front part of the chassis (1) by the pushing force of springs and torque value applied by the drive (5) drops zero thus training comes to the end.

The invention provides the user with Eccentric Phase Exercise. For Eccentric Phase Exercise, QR code is read on the display (9) according to invention through smart phone and/or tablet application before starting the training and the user's prior settings, if any, are loaded to the system. Smith Machine (99) does not necessarily to be set by smart phones and/or tablets. Smith Machine (99) is also can be set by display (9). After setting, the user chooses the position of training in eccentric phase exercise and takes the corresponding position. When the user presses the touch trigger (2) on the bar (14), the lock gear (21) on the magnetic brake mechanism (4) is drawn upon the threads (23) by electromagnet (22) and the drive (5) applies the amount of weight set by the user in only one direction as torque force, while said user moves the bar (14) as determined by exercise type. When the user moves the bar (14) in another direction, a force is not applied by the drive (5). Thus, only one the training where the muscle is eccentrically contracted is formed.

Another training provided by the invention is Independent

Exercise Program. For this training program, QR code is read on display (9) according to invention through smart phone and/or tablet application before starting the training and the user's prior settings, if any, are loaded to the system. Smith Machine

(99) does not necessarily to be set by smart phones and/or tablets. Smith Machine (99) is also can be set by display (9). After that the user chooses the position to workout in independent training program and takes the corresponding position. When the user presses the touch trigger (2) on the bar (14), lock gear (21) on the magnetic brake mechanism (4) is drawn upon the threads (23) by electromagnet (22) and the drive (5) applies the amount of weight set by the user in the gravity direction as torque force, while said user moves the bar (14) in either direction. Another training possibility provided by the invention is Isokinetic Exercise. For Isokinetic Exercise, QR code is read on display (9) according to invention through smart phone and/or tablet application before starting the training and the user's prior settings, if any, are loaded to the system. Smith Machine (99) does not necessarily to be set by smart phones and/or tablets. Smith Machine (99) is also can be set by display (9). After that the user chooses the position to workout in isokinetic training and takes the corresponding position. When the user presses the touch trigger (2) on the bar (14), lock gear (21) on the magnetic brake mechanism (4) is drawn upon the threads (23) by electromagnet (22) and when the user moves the bar (14) to upwards and/or downwards, the drive (5) applies the amount of weight set by the user as torque force to said user. In other words, when the user moves the bar (14) both to upwards and downwards, torque force is applied by the drive (5).

In the invention, for any training type, weight, namely the drive (5) torque force can be gradually reduced for the user. The user can set at which point and to what degree it is reduced. For example; the user may select the drive (5) to apply 50 kg torque force at the beginning. In this example where 10 repetition is set, in every repetition, after the 4th repetition the user may set to reduce 2 kg of torque force. The user can perform many different training types both through phone and/or tablet application and through display (9). Alternatively, weight can be connected to one and/or two sides of bar (14) (Fig-6). Thus, weight structure used in the training can be replaced.

The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the attached claims and shall not be construed as limiting regarding above described features which only aims to be illustrative, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can execute the novelty of the invention by using similar embodiments and/or apply this embodiment to other areas of similar purpose used in the art. It is therefore clear that such embodiments will lack the criterion of novelty and in particular the overcoming of the prior art.