Locking mechanism for resistance selection system

Abstract

A locking mechanism for a resistance selection system of an exercise apparatus, comprising: a hub having a plurality of selectable positions; a core disposed within and rotatable relative to the hub, the core including two force transmitting members for effecting movement of the resistance selector and a retractable pin element biased to engage one of a plurality of selectable positions; a locking member slidably movable within the central cavity of the core between a raised state in which the locking member abuts against one end of the pin element to prevent retraction of the pin element, thereby limiting relative movement between the core and the hub, and a depressed state in which the locking member does not prevent retraction of the pin element; and a key element movable relative to the central cavity and configured to actuate the locking member to a depressed state when the exercise device is in a rest position, thereby allowing the core to rotate relative to the hub to achieve resistance selection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for a resistance selection system adapted to be used in exercise equipment. Background Art

[0002] Resistance devices are commonly used in gyms and other training facilities for a wide range of strength and training exercises. An example of a resistance device is a resistance band, which typically comprises a length of elastic material and has handles at one or both ends of the elastic material. Compared with heavy weights such as dumbbells, resistance bands are lightweight and portable. However, they have some limitations, including providing a variable amount of resistance as the elastomer is stretched during exercise; the band may snap back violently during exercise and hit the user; and resistance bands are generally perishable and tend to crack / wear / weaken over time.

[0003] Another example of a resistance device is a cable tensiometer. A cable tensiometer typically comprises one or more stacks of plate weights, one or more cables connected to the weights, and a series of pulleys connected to a frame. The free end of the cable includes attachment points for handles and other graspable accessories. The resistance level is selected by using pin elements to engage a selected number of weights. Cable tensiometers are large and bulky, heavy and difficult to transport, and if used improperly, the exposed pulleys and weights can cause injury.

[0004] Recently, compact resistance devices have been developed to overcome the limitations of resistance bands and cable tensiometers. These devices are lightweight and easy to transport. They include a series of resistance elements (e.g., elastic bands, gas struts) contained within a housing and a selection system including means for selecting one or more of the resistance elements to vary the resistance. Due to the compactness of these devices, the internal components are designed to work only within small tolerances, which can lead to malfunctions. For example, when the user selectively engages and disengages the resistance elements, the internal components may be subjected to asymmetric loads. This can cause the components to become misaligned during use - which may ultimately cause the device to malfunction.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution to improve the reliability and usability of compact resistance devices. What the applicant has determined is that it would be advantageous to provide a resistance device or a part thereof which, in a preferred embodiment, seeks to at least partially alleviate the above problems or provide a useful alternative to the public. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking mechanism for a resistance selection system of an exercise device, comprising: a hub having a plurality of selectable positions; a core disposed within the hub and rotatable relative to the hub, the core including two force transmission members for effecting movement of a resistance selector and a retractable pin element biased to engage one of the plurality of selectable positions; a locking member capable of sliding movement within a central cavity of the core between a raised state and a depressed state, in which raised state the locking member abuts one end of the pin element to prevent retraction of the pin element, thereby restricting relative movement between the core and the hub, and in which depressed state the locking member does not prevent retraction of the pin element; and a key element movable relative to the central cavity and configured to actuate the locking member to the depressed state when the exercise device is in a rest position, thereby allowing the core to rotate relative to the hub to effect resistance selection.

[0007] In some embodiments, the key element includes a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the locking member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the key element includes a generally frustoconical portion between a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the key element includes two flange portions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the circumferential edge at the first end of the key element is rounded.

[0011] In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the rounded edge is between 0.001 mm and 1.000 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the key element is received within the central cavity of the core in use.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hub includes a plurality of recesses, and the recesses define the plurality of selectable positions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the recesses are configured to receive the pin element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hub is substantially annular.

[0016] In some embodiments, the core includes a plurality of pin elements.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pin elements are equally spaced from each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the force transmission members include protrusions that mate with corresponding holes in a part of the selection system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the central cavity includes a rounded edge.

[0020] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a housing coupled to the core such that rotation of the housing rotates the core.

[0021] In some embodiments, the locking member is substantially cylindrical.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise device including: a plurality of resilient elements; means having a first part movable relative to a second part, whereby the resistance experienced by a user in moving the first part relative to the second part is determined by the number of resilient elements engaged to travel with the first part; a selection system for selecting any of the plurality of resilient elements to travel with the first part so as to vary the resistance of the exercise device; and a locking mechanism as described above, wherein the locking mechanism prevents movement of the selection system when the first part moves away from the second part.

[0023] In some embodiments, the selection system includes a selector plate which is carried by the first part in use.

[0024] In some embodiments, there are three resilient elements and the selection system has a plurality of configurations for engaging one or more of the resilient elements.

[0025] In some embodiments, the resilient elements are gas struts and / or gas spring struts.

[0026] Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description.

[0027] Although the components of the locking mechanism and selection system for an exercise device will be described below for use in combination with one another in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that some aspects of the present invention are equally applicable for interchangeable use between one or more embodiments of the present invention and / or for independent inventions that may be incorporated separately into other devices and assemblies not described herein.

[0028] When related to a stated reference point of mass, level, value, quantity, frequency, percentage, dimension, position, size, amount, weight or length, the term "about" or "approximate" can be understood to indicate that the reference point can vary and the term can encompass amounts approaching on either side of the reference point.

[0029] As used herein, the term "substantially" may be used only to indicate that the term it modifies should not be read too literally but rather that the term may mean "sufficiently", "mostly", or "very nearly" to the patentee. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a resistance selection system for an exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the resistance selection system shown;

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the central core of the resistance selection system shown;

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the hub of the selection system shown;

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional top view of the resistance selection system shown, with a portion of the central core removed to show internal components;

[0036] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional perspective view of the resistance selection system shown, with the resistance selection system in a locked position and the central core partially removed;

[0037] Figure 7 is along Figure 5 the A-A line shown in Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the resistance selection system shown;

[0038] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional perspective view of the resistance selection system shown, with the resistance selection system in a locked position and the central core partially removed;

[0039] Figure 9 is along Figure 5 the A-A line shown in Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the resistance selection system shown;

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a key element of a resistance selection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 isFigure 10 Side view of the key element shown;

[0042] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of an exercise device including a resistance selection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 Perspective sectional view of an exercise device including a resistance selection system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a rest position;

[0044] Figure 14 is Figure 13 Perspective sectional view of the exercise device shown in a working position;

[0045] Figure 15 is Figure 13 Enlarged view of the resistance selection system and the carriage of the exercise device shown;

[0046] Figure 16 is Figure 13 Partially exploded perspective view of the resistance selection system and the carriage of the exercise device shown;

[0047] Figure 17 Perspective view of the bevel gear of the resistance selection system;

[0048] Figure 18 Perspective view of the selector plate of the resistance selection system;

[0049] Figure 19 Perspective view of the retainer member of the resistance selection system;

[0050] Figure 20 is Figure 13 Exploded perspective view of the carriage of the exercise device shown;

[0051] Figure 21 Perspective sectional view of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the selector plate is in a first position and the exercise device is in a rest position;

[0052] Figure 22 is Figure 21 Perspective sectional view of the exercise device in a working position;

[0053] Figure 23 Perspective sectional view of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the selector plate is in a second position and the exercise device is in a rest position; and

[0054] Figure 24 is Figure 23 Perspective sectional view of the exercise device shown in a working position. Detailed description of the invention

[0055] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a locking mechanism 100 for a resistance selection system of an exercise device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism 100 includes: a hub 110 having a plurality of selectable positions; and a core 120 disposed within the hub 110 and rotatable relative to the hub 110, the core 120 including two force transmission members 122 for effecting movement of a resistance selector 260 and a retractable pin element 124 biased to engage one of the plurality of selectable positions. The locking mechanism 100 further includes a locking member 126 that is slidably movable within a central cavity 130 of the core 120 between a raised state and a depressed state, in which the raised state, the locking member 126 abuts against the pin element 124 to prevent the pin element from retracting, thereby restricting relative movement between the core 120 and the hub 110, and in the depressed state, the locking member does not prevent the pin element 124 from retracting. The locking mechanism further includes a key element 140 that is movable relative to the central cavity 130 and configured to actuate the locking member 126 to the depressed state when the exercise device 200 is in a rest position, thereby allowing the core 120 to rotate relative to the hub 110 for resistance selection.

[0056] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "upper" and "lower" and similar terms are used herein with reference to the orientation of the device shown, solely for the assistance of the reader. The present invention is not limited to devices that can operate in the orientation shown.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hub 110 is an annular shell, and the selectable positions are defined by a series of equally spaced recesses 112 (also referred to as notches or teeth) in the shell. Each recess is configured to receive one of a plurality of pin elements 124a, 124b, 124c (also referred to as tongues) that are equally spaced from each other about a central axis. Each tongue has a corresponding spring 156a, 156b, 156c that biases the tongue 124 towards the recess 112. The tongue 124 and the spring 156 together form a spring-loaded stop member that cooperates with the recess 112 and is biased towards the recess 112. In use, when the locking mechanism 100 snaps from one selectable position to another, the spring-loaded stop member including the tongue 124 and the spring 156 engages with the recess 112 to provide the user with a desired tactile quality.

[0058] The core 120 includes a slot 157 (as Figure 3As shown, it is used to receive plates 158a, 158b, 158c so as to hold the plates in a fixed position relative to the core 120. The small protrusions 159 on each plate 158 position the first end of each corresponding spring 156 on the plate, and each tongue 124 includes a corresponding slot for receiving the second end of each corresponding spring 156. The core 120 includes channels 131 for each tongue 124, and the channels extend radially outward from the respective plates 158, thereby allowing the tongues 124 to slide relative to the core 120 to engage / disengage the recesses 112. The locking member 126 is substantially cylindrical, and the locking member 126 is biased by a locking member spring 127 towards a position that prevents the tongues 124 from moving during the use of the exercise device. The locking member spring 127 is disposed on the seat 128 of the core holding plate 121. When the exercise device is in the rest position, the key element 140 pushes the locking member 126 to the unlocked position, in which the protruding portion 129 of the tongue 124 can move radially inward to disengage from the recess 112. The key element 140 slides through the central cavity 130 in the core 120.

[0059] The core 120 further includes a force transmission member 122 that transmits the torque applied by the user to the selector ring 160 to the rotational movement of the selection system 300 so as to select between different resistance levels. The force transmission member 122 may include a protrusion or a drive pin extending upward from the core 120.

[0060] To rotate the core 120, the user rotates the selector ring 160. The torque applied to the selector ring 160 is transmitted to the core 120 through the coupling protrusions 162a, 162b received in the coupling holes 164a, 164b of the holding plate 121. The holding plate 121 is fixedly connected to the core 120 by screws or the like.

[0061] The selector ring 160 may be molded from plastic to have a suitable form for easy grasping and rotation. In this example, the selector ring has grooves to increase friction when the user grasps it. Preferably, one of the outer surface of the housing 214 and the selector ring 160 carries a series of markings corresponding to the available resistances, and the other of these two objects carries a suitable pointer, thereby providing a visual indication of the selected resistance to the user.

[0062] The core holding plate 121 includes a bottom annular surface 114 against the hub 110 (as Figure 4The ridge 115 extends circumferentially around a portion of the bottom annular surface 114 and includes a stop portion 116 at each end. The protrusion 134 can slide between the ends of the ridge 115 and is prevented from rotating past the end in either direction by the stop portion 116. The core retaining plate 121 also includes a track 123 to guide the movement of the tongue 124 in the radial direction.

[0063] The ring 166 is decorative and also serves as a spacer between the locking mechanism 100 and the housing 214 when the exercise device is assembled. It may also be integrally formed with the hub 110.

[0064] Figure 5 A top view of the locking mechanism 100 is shown with the core 120 removed. Figure 5 Also shown is line AA, which defines Figure 7 and Figure 9 The cutting plane of the cross-section shown. Figure 5 In the engaged or locked position shown, the tongues 124 a , 124 b , 124 c are aligned with corresponding ones of the recesses 112 .

[0065] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The locking mechanism 100 is shown with the core 120 removed and in a locked position. In this position, the key element 140 is placed on the locking member 126 without pushing it to its unlocked position. Figure 7 As shown, the locking member 126 prevents the tongue 124 from moving radially toward the center of the hub 110. In particular, the protruding portion 129 of the tongue 124 is in close confronting relationship with the locking member 126 and is therefore prevented from moving out of the engaged or locked position.

[0066] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the unlocked position, the key element 140 pushes the locking member 126 to its unlocked position, thereby allowing the protruding portion 129 of the tongue 124 to move toward the center of the hub 110 and disengage from the recess 112. In the unlocked position, the locking member spring 127 is compressed. The key element 140 includes a first cylindrical portion 142 and a second cylindrical portion 144. The diameter of the second cylindrical portion 144 is smaller than the diameter of the locking member 126, so that the tongue 124 can move away from the recess 112 to allow the core 120 to rotate. In an alternative embodiment, the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 144 can be larger than the diameter of the locking member 126.

[0067] When a user applies torque to selector ring 160, the angles of teeth / recesses 112 and the corresponding engaging portions of tongue 124 create a resultant force that has a component in the radial direction. The effect of this radial force is to push tongue 124 out of the engaged position to allow selector ring 160 to rotate.

[0068] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Details of a preferred embodiment of key element 140 are shown. Key element 140 includes a first cylindrical portion 142 and a second cylindrical portion 144, a frustoconical portion 146, a first flange portion 149 and a second flange portion 150, an internal thread portion 153, and a substantially flat surface 149 between the first cylindrical portion 144 and the frustoconical portion 146. The first cylindrical portion 142, the second cylindrical portion 144, and the flange portions 149, 150 have diameters A2, A3, and A4 respectively. Diameter A2 can be approximately 11.8 mm; diameter A3 can be approximately 7.5 mm; diameter A4 can be approximately 16.0 mm. The transitions between the corresponding portions R2, R3, and R4 are rounded, with a radius of curvature of approximately 0.3 mm. The radius of curvature of the rounded edge 152 is between 0.001 mm and 1.000 mm. The radius of curvature of the rounded edge 152 is preferably approximately 0.6 mm. The angle θ1 of the frustoconical portion can be approximately 90°; and the angle θ2 of the second flange portion can be approximately 132°.

[0069] The combination of the rounded edge 152 with the rounded edge at the opening of the central cavity 130 of the core 120 enables the locking mechanism 100 to function even when key element 140 is not aligned with the central cavity 130. In other words, in the case where the longitudinal axis of key element 140 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of cavity 130, the rounded edge 152 allows key element 140 to enter the central cavity 130 and engage with the locking member 126. This ensures that key element 140 can fully engage with the locking member 126 and push the locking member 126 to the unlocked position to unlock the locking mechanism 100, and also allows for adjustment of the resistance even when key element 140 is misaligned. For example, small misalignments of key element 140 occur frequently and may be caused by uneven loading within the exercise device when the user selects a resistance level that requires an asymmetric arrangement of the resistance members.

[0070] Figure 12FIG. 200 shows an exercise device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 200 includes a vertical rail 216. In this example, the rail is wall-mounted. The exercise device 200 is connected to the rail 216 at a selected vertical position via a connecting device 217. In a preferred variant of the exercise device 200, the connecting device 217 is configured to slide along the rail 216 and incorporates a spring-loaded stop device that is cooperable with a stop device receiving structure (such as a hole) along the rail 216.

[0071] The exercise device incorporates a housing 214 that houses a transmission and an elastic device. The housing 214 is elongated, i.e., the length is more than three times the width, and is approximately cylindrical in this particular example. A cable 210 protrudes from a first end of the exercise device 200, and a locking mechanism 100 is located at a second end of the housing 214.

[0072] The cable 210 of the exercise device 200 carries a handle 212, whereby the device 200 is configured for various exercises. For example, the connecting device 217 can be lowered towards the bottom of the rail 216 to configure an instrument for biceps training, at the illustrated shoulder height for chest press or raised to a higher height for a pull-down exercise.

[0073] In another variant of the exercise device 200, the rail 216 can be replaced by a set of anchor points (such as wall-mounted ring bolts) arranged at different heights. To accommodate such a variant, the device 200 can have an anchoring structure (such as a hook) through which the device 200 can be conveniently engaged with a selected one of the anchor points. The preferred form of the device 200 can be attached to any convenient anchor point, such as attached to an existing bracket / frame or other stable stationary object (such as a tree).

[0074] As Figures 13 to 15 shown, the exercise device 200 includes: an elastic device having a first part movable relative to a second part and a plurality of resilient elements; a selection system 300 for selecting at least one of the resilient elements to change the resistance of the exercise device 200; and a locking mechanism 100 as described above, wherein the locking mechanism 100 prevents accidental movement of the selection system 300 during use of the exercise device 200.

[0075] Figure 13 FIG. 215 shows the exercise device 200 in a rest position. In this position, the key element 140 pushes the locking member 126 to an unlocked position, in which the protruding portion 129 of the tongue 124 can move radially inwards to disengage from the recess 112.

[0076] Figure 14Illustrates the exercise device 200 in a working position. The working position can be any position where the key element 140 is disengaged from the locking member 126 and the locking member 126 is in the locked position. In such a position, the tongue 124 is prevented from disengaging from the recess 112, thereby preventing rotation of the selection system 300.

[0077] In Figures 13 to 15 the illustrated embodiment, the first part includes the bracket 240, while the second part includes the locking mechanism 100. The exercise device 200 incorporates three mutually identical gas struts 230, 231, 232. It is also conceivable that the gas struts can be different from each other, in which case the selection system 300 can be configured to select various arrangements. For example, gas struts configured to provide 2.5 kg, 5 kg, and 7.5 kg to the user individually can be separately selectable to provide the user with six selectable resistance options corresponding to 2.5 kg, 5 kg, 7.5 kg, 10 kg, 12.5 kg, and 15 kg.

[0078] Gas struts are preferred because proprietary gas struts are economically available and provide relatively uniform resistance along their stroke length compared to other resistance devices (such as conventional springs and resistance bands, etc.). Each of the struts 230, 231, 232 can have the following specifications:

[0079] - Cylinder with a diameter of 15 mm

[0080] - Piston with a diameter of 6 mm

[0081] - Cylinder length = 145 mm

[0082] - Strut maximum stroke = 120.5 mm

[0083] - Strut free length = 300 mm

[0084] - Strut force (maximum lifting force) = 470 N

[0085] These specifications are provided only as examples, and other variations are also feasible.

[0086] Although the force provided by the gas strut (compared to other elastic devices, such as conventional springs) is uniform, there are some variations in the force along the stroke of the gas strut and between the extension and compression phases of the strut operation. The "strut force (maximum lifting force)" corresponds to the force in the extension phase measured 5 mm before the piston is fully extended. This is the normal operating point for depicting the characteristics of the compressed strut. This is almost the lowest force generated by the strut. Generally, the lowest force is at the end of the extension phase.

[0087] In addition to providing relatively uniform and controllable resistance, commonly available gas struts also provide a slight degree of damping, which to some extent addresses the problem of the violent release of energy that a resistance band may experience. The deceleration device also addresses these problems to some extent because the friction inherent in the mechanism also alleviates to some extent the situation where the cable 210 may retract violently when inadvertently released from the extended state.

[0088] In this example, the elastic means includes gas struts 230, 231, 232, but other variations are also possible. For example, in the basic form of the device, the gas struts can be dispensed with and instead a simple compression spring can be incorporated. In a further embodiment, a gas spring strut that includes a compression spring within the gas strut can be used.

[0089] The gas struts 230, 231, 232 together form the elastic means. The pulleys 222, 223 and the routing of the cable 210 therearound form a transmission means through which the cable 210 is connected to the elastic means such that pulling on the cable 210 will cause the carriage 240 to move towards the head 220 of the exercise device 200.

[0090] The locking member spring 127 is selected to be relatively weaker than each gas strut so that when the carriage is at the end of its stroke (in the rest position), the gas strut overcomes the spring 127 to drive the key element 140 against the locking member 126.

[0091] The selection system 300 can be effectively applied to the case of resistance elements other than gas struts, and variations of the selection system are suitable for resistance devices having a plurality of resistance elements other than three resistance elements.

[0092] The exercise device 200 incorporates a user-operable part in the form of a selector ring 160 that covers the bottom end of the top housing 214. As Figure 15 shown, the selector ring 160 has a cylindrical exterior that has an appropriate texture for easy gripping. The selector ring 160 is rotatable relative to the rigid housing 214 by the user.

[0093] In this embodiment, there are two sets of pulleys 222, 223, where each set of pulleys includes two pulley wheels arranged coaxially. The cable 210 is tied around the pulleys 222, 223 to form a transmission that connects the cable 210 to the elastic device. In this example, the cable 210 is tied to each of the pulleys 222, 223 and is anchored relative to the carriage 240, whereby the transmission has a reduction ratio of, for example, 4:1. Due to this reduction ratio, pulling a length of the cable 210 from the exercise device 200 will cause the carriage 240 to move towards the upper pulley 222 (and thus compress the gas struts 230, 231, 232) by only a portion of that length. In this example, the ratio is 0.25.

[0094] In other examples, the reduction ratio can be 9 to 1, whereby pulling one meter of the cable will cause the carriage 240 to move towards the partial head portion 220 by approximately 11 cm. This reduction device allows a length of the cable 210 to be pulled from the exercise device 200 while keeping the device 200 conveniently compact, which is useful for performing exercises.

[0095] The cable 210 is guided into the head portion 220 via an inlet 218, which includes a guide wheel that guides the cable 210 through a suitable through - portion in the head portion and into the elastic device.

[0096] In Figure 14 , the cable 210 is pulled and the carriage is positioned at the top of its stroke length. In this configuration, the gas struts 231 and 232 are selected by the selection system 300, while the gas strut 230 is not selected, so that the strut rod 230b passes through a hole in the carriage 240 and does not prevent the movement of the carriage 240 when the cable is pulled.

[0097] As Figures 16 to 20 shown, the exercise device 200 includes a selection system 300 by which the resistance to pulling the cable 210 can be changed. The selection system 300 includes a locking mechanism 100, a holding plate 250, a selector plate 260, a bevel gear 270, a pawl 274, and a pawl spring 276.

[0098] The substantially flat face 149 of the key element 140 is adapted to abut against the bottom face of the holding plate 250 and thereby fix the holding plate 250 to the carriage 240 during use. In this arrangement, the selector plate 260 and the bevel gear 270 are received in a cavity in the bottom face of the carriage 240. Thus, during operation of the exercise device 200, the selector plate 260 is carried by the carriage 240.

[0099] As Figure 17As shown, the bevel gear 270 includes a plurality of teeth 273 and a central hole 272. The diameter of the central hole 272 is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 142 of the key element 140. The teeth 273 define a plurality of discrete angular positions and are configured to receive the pawls 274. The pawls 274 act as spring-loaded stop members that can cooperate with the recesses between adjacent teeth in the teeth 273. The bottom surface of the bevel gear includes a plurality of protrusions 277 for engaging corresponding holes in the selector plate 260.

[0100] As Figure 18 shown, the selector plate 260 includes holes 261, 262 for receiving the force transmission member 122, a central hole 266 with a diameter greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 142 of the key element 140, a plurality of blocking portions 268 adapted to engage the strut rods 230b, 231b, 232b of the gas strut, and a plurality of keyways 269 configured not to obstruct the strut rods 230b, 231b, 232b. When the protrusions 277 engage in the holes 264, the bevel gear 270 is rotationally fixed to the selector plate 260.

[0101] As Figure 19 shown, the retainer plate 250 includes keyways 251a, 251b, 251c for the strut rods 230b, 231b, 232b to pass through, notches 252a, 252b, 252c for aligning and engaging corresponding protrusions 244 on the bracket 240, two arcuate slots 254, 255 allowing the force transmission member 122 to move therein, and a central hole 256. The diameter of the central hole 256 is greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 142 of the key element 140 but less than the diameter A4 of the first flange portion. As described above, the notches 252 and the corresponding protrusions 244 are used to rotationally fix the retainer plate 250 to the bracket 240. The selector plate 260 and the bevel gear 270 are also rotationally fixed to each other but can rotate relative to the retainer plate 250 and the bracket 240.

[0102] When the gas strut extends and the bracket 240 is at the end of its stroke, the force transmission member 122 engages the holes 261, 262 in the selector plate 260. Rotation of the selector ring 160 will cause rotation of the selector plate 260, thereby allowing the user to adjust the resistance. When the user pulls the cable 210 to move the bracket 240 away from the locking mechanism 100, the bracket 240 moves away from the force transmission member 122 and thus disengages the force transmission member. In addition, as described above, the key element 140 also moves away from the locking member 126, thereby preventing rotation of the locking mechanism 100.

[0103] The locking member 126 is used to prevent the core 120 from rotating during this intermediate stroke phase of the device operation (i.e., when the carriage 240 is disengaged from the pin element 122). The locking mechanism 100 locks the selector ring 160 against rotation during this intermediate stroke phase of the operation, so that the pin element 122 remains in the position engaging the holes 261, 262 in the selector plate 260 when it returns to the end of the housing (rest position).

[0104] Figure 21 and Figure 22 A first configuration of the selector plate 260 is shown. In this configuration, the blocking portion 268 covers the rods 230b and 323b, while the keyway 269 is aligned with and receives the rod 231b of the gas strut 231.

[0105] When the selector plate 260 is in the Figure 21 and Figure 22 position and the cable 210 is pulled to move the carriage 240 upward, the blocking portion 268 acts on the struts 230 and 232, whereby the struts 230 and 232 resist the pulling of the cable 210. At the same time, the rod 231b passes through the opening 269, whereby the strut 231 does not resist the pulling of the cable 210. The selector plate 260 simply moves along the rod 231b of the strut 231. Thus, as used herein, in this configuration, the selection of the strut 231 is cancelled.

[0106] As Figure 23 and Figure 24 shown, rotating the selector plate 260 to another defined orientation moves the blocking portion 268 into alignment with the rod 231b. In this orientation, all three struts 230, 231, 232 are selected and resist the pulling of the cable 210.

[0107] In some embodiments, for all angular positions of the selector plate 260, the gas strut 230 remains engaged with the selector plate 260, while the struts 231 and 232 are selected depending on the position of the selector plate 260. Thus, as used herein, the struts 231 and 232 are selectable elements.

[0108] In embodiments having three gas struts, there can be six selectable configurations as shown in the following table. In the table, a tick indicates whether each strut is engaged in the respective selectable configuration.

[0109]

[0110] As described above, when the cable is pulled out, each gas strut can generate a resistance of approximately 50 kg, and via the reduction device, the user experiences a resistance of approximately 5 kg. Thus, the three selectable positions of the selector plate 260 give the user a choice of 5 kg, 10 kg, or 15 kg of resistance. The exercise device 200 weighs approximately 1.4 kg, and the ratio of resistance to weight is better than 10:1.

[0111] In some embodiments, each gas strut can have a different pressure. For example, the first strut can have a pressure of 150 N, the second strut can have a pressure of 230 N, and the third strut can have a pressure of 470 N.

[0112] Many variations of the described technology are possible. For example, the selector plate 260 can be replaced by another suitable selector member. Similarly, the selector ring 160 can be replaced by another suitable member (such as a thumb slider). Electrically actuated selector mechanisms and magnetic adjustment are also possible. For example, a suitable actuator can be added to the system 300. Electric actuation would enable actuation from a controller remote from the housing 214. For example, a controller built into the handle could enable changing the resistance to chest presses without removing the device 200 or even releasing the handle. In some embodiments, the selection system can include an electric actuator.

[0113] Figure 20 An exploded view of the bracket 240 and various components of the selection system 300 is shown. The bracket includes a guide wheel 236 that mates with a corresponding slot on the inner surface of the housing 214. The guide wheel 236 and the slot prevent the bracket 240 from rotating relative to the housing 214 and help keep the bracket 240 aligned within the housing 214. The bracket also includes guides 234a, 234b, 234c that are received in holes in the bracket 240. Each guide 234a, 234b, 234c includes a hole that allows the corresponding strut rod 230a, 230b, 230c to pass through. The guides 234a, 234b, 234c include a low-friction material.

[0114] The lower pulley 223 is fixed to the bracket 280 by bracket bolts 282 and fasteners 284. The bracket 280 is connected to the key element 140 by a key element connector bolt 141. A spacer 242 is received in a central hole in the lower portion of the bracket 240.

[0115] While variations of the disclosed apparatus can be used for purposes other than exercise, the described apparatus can be used to achieve benefits related to back strength, core strength, upper and lower body strength, aerobic cardiovascular benefits, anaerobic cardiovascular benefits, posture improvement, muscle development (hypertrophy), endurance benefits, and more. The described apparatus can be used in high-performance sports, general fitness and strength, rehabilitation, posture correction, sport-specific training, coaches and instructors working with their clients, senior exercise, injury rehabilitation, group exercise class settings, or many other scenarios. Variations of the described apparatus can be used to assist people with special needs (such as wheelchair users, amputees, and other disabled individuals).

[0116] While the various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0117] In this specification and the subsequent claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprises" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to include the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not to exclude any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0118] Reference numerals

[0119]

[0120]

[0121]

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a resistance selection system of an exercise device, comprising: a hub having a plurality of selectable positions; a core disposed within the hub and rotatable relative to the hub, the core including two force transfer members for effectuating movement of the resistance selector and a retractable pin element biased to engage one of the plurality of selectable positions; a locking member slidably movable within the central cavity of the core between a raised state in which the locking member abuts against one end of the pin element to prevent the pin element from retracting, thereby limiting relative movement between the core and the hub, and a depressed state in which the locking member does not prevent the pin element from retracting; and A key element is movable relative to the central cavity and is configured to actuate the locking member to the depressed state when the exercise device is in a rest position, thereby allowing the core to rotate relative to the hub to achieve resistance selection.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The key element includes a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the locking member.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The key element includes a substantially frustoconical portion between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

4. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The key element includes two flange portions.

5. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The circumferential edge at the first end of the key element is rounded.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The radius of curvature of the rounded edge is between 0.001 mm and 1.000 mm.

7. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The key element is received in use in the central cavity of the core.

8. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hub includes a plurality of recesses, and wherein the plurality of recesses define the plurality of selectable positions.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The recess is configured to receive the pin element.

10. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hub is substantially annular.

11. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The core includes a plurality of pin elements.

12. The locking mechanism according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of pin elements are equally spaced apart from one another.

13. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The force transfer member includes a protrusion that interfaces with a corresponding hole in a portion of the resistance selection system.

14. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The central cavity includes rounded edges.

15. The locking mechanism of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing coupled to the core such that rotation of the housing rotates the core.

16. A locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The locking member is substantially cylindrical.

17. An exercise device comprising: Multiple recoverable components; A device having a first portion movable relative to a second portion whereby the resistance experienced by a user in moving the first portion relative to the second portion is determined by the number of resilient elements engaged for travel with the first portion; a selection system for selecting any of the plurality of resilient elements to travel with the first portion to thereby vary the resistance of the exercise device; and The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16, Wherein, when the first part moves away from the second part, the locking mechanism prevents the selection system from moving.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein: The selection system comprises a selector plate which, in use, is carried by the first part.

19. Exercise equipment according to claim 17 or 18, wherein Three resilient elements are provided, and the selection system has a plurality of configurations for engaging one or more of the resilient elements.

20. Exercise equipment according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein The resilient element is a gas strut and / or a gas spring strut.

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