Variable resistance cable training components and their usage

Abstract

A cable training assembly, housed within a portable casing, includes a cable configured for pulling by a user and a screw mechanism configured to deform at least one spring. The deformation of the spring exerts a retraction force on the cable, the retraction force being opposite in direction to the force applied to the cable by the user. A selector assembly includes a knob that can be rotated by the user to select or deselect the spring acting on the cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an exercise device, and more specifically, to a cable-based portable exercise device that can be selectively adjusted to provide variable resistance levels. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional resistance-based fitness equipment is used for exercise, strength training, and physical therapy. This type of equipment typically includes physical or simulated weights to resist the user's movement by pulling on a cable. Physical weight-based fitness equipment typically includes a vertically oriented frame that houses weights attached via a cable pulley system with a pulley ratio ranging from 1:1 to 4:1. The cable passes through the pulley system, which has an adjustable user outlet to allow the user to pull the handles from different heights. The user selects the desired resistance by inserting fasteners (e.g., pins or other types of locking mechanisms) into one of the weights in the weight block, which, along with all the weights located thereon, provides resistance to the cable. The user end of the cable typically forms a loop to allow the user to apply the appropriate handle for the desired exercise. Simulated weight-based fitness equipment typically provides mechanical or electronic resistance. Mechanical resistance is provided by a series of spring mechanisms, allowing the user to select different numbers of springs to vary the cable resistance, while electronic resistance is provided by a motor connected to a cable reel.

[0003] While traditional fitness equipment effectively provides resistance, it also has several drawbacks. For example, physical weight-based fitness equipment is typically bulky, usually measuring 6-8 feet wide, 7-8 feet high, and 3-5 feet deep. This equipment is also quite heavy, weighing up to 1700 pounds depending on the number of weights included in the counterweights. Therefore, such traditional fitness equipment often requires considerable storage space in a home. Furthermore, the bulkiness of this traditional equipment makes it difficult to move or relocate. Using mechanical resistance equipment may require some prior knowledge from the user. Electronic resistance designs may require continuous battery charging and / or proximity to power outlets, creating a potential tripping hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Given the shortcomings of traditional resistance-based fitness equipment, there is an urgent need for a resistance-based fitness device that can adjust resistance, adapt to various spaces, be used without prior knowledge, and allow users to easily move independently between storage locations and preferred exercise sites. The device disclosed herein addresses these and other shortcomings by providing a cable training assembly that can be housed in a portable housing. The cable training assembly includes a cable configured for user operation and a screw mechanism configured to deform at least one spring. The deformation of the spring applies a recoil force to the cable. A selector assembly has a knob for the user to select or deselect one or more springs acting on the cable via an intermittent gear system. The screw mechanism offers the advantages of smooth movement of the exercise equipment, the ability to withstand high radial loads without jamming, and reduced user maintenance. The springs offer the advantages of extending the equipment's lifespan and improving its load-to-size ratio.

[0005] Embodiments of the cable training components disclosed herein may include one or more of the following in any suitable combination.

[0006] The cable training assembly disclosed herein may include: a cable configured for a user to pull; and a screw mechanism operably connected to the cable, the screw mechanism being configured to deform at least one spring; wherein the deformation of the at least one spring applies a retraction force to the cable.

[0007] In other embodiments, the cable training assembly is housed within a portable housing. In some embodiments, the screw mechanism is a ball screw assembly including a threaded ball screw that at least partially passes through an internally threaded ball nut. In some embodiments, the cable is wound on a reel mounted on the screw mechanism, thereby causing the reel to rotate and translate relative to the ball screw by the user pulling on the cable. In some embodiments, the cable is wound on a reel mounted on the screw mechanism, thereby causing the reel to rotate and translate relative to the ball nut by the user pulling on the cable. In some embodiments, the reel is mounted on one of the ball screw and the ball nut. In some embodiments, the at least one spring is selectively engageable with a selector assembly. In some embodiments, the selector assembly includes a user-engageable part, the adjustment of which allows the at least one spring to selectively engage and disengage. In some embodiments, the user-engageable part is a rotatable knob. In some embodiments, the selector assembly selectively engages and disengages the at least one spring via an intermittent gear transmission system. In some embodiments, the intermittent gear transmission system includes an external gear located on a knob of the selector assembly, the external gear being configured to engage a gear ring associated with the at least one spring. In some embodiments, the at least one spring is a nitrogen spring. In some embodiments, the deformation of the at least one spring includes compression of the at least one spring. In some embodiments, the deformation of the at least one spring includes tension of the at least one spring.

[0008] Embodiments of the selector assembly disclosed herein are used in an exercise device including a cable training assembly comprising a cable and at least one spring. The selector assembly includes a user-engageable component operably connected to at least one locking mechanism. The at least one locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and disengage the at least one spring via an intermittent gear transmission system when the user adjusts the user-engageable component. Engagement of the at least one spring by the locking mechanism causes deformation of the at least one spring, and the deformation of the at least one spring applies a retraction force to the cable. In some embodiments, the user-engageable component is a rotatable knob. In some embodiments, the selector assembly further includes a retaining component defining a bore configured to receive the at least one spring. The intermittent gear transmission system controls the movement of a plurality of ball bearings relative to the bore. In some embodiments, the selector assembly is adjustable between a first position in which the at least one spring engages with the plurality of ball bearings, and in a second position in which the at least one spring translates freely within the bore. In some embodiments, when the cable is pulled by a user, the at least one spring deforms when the plurality of ball bearings engage with the at least one spring. In some embodiments, when the cable is pulled by a user, the at least one spring does not deform when it moves freely within the borehole.

[0009] The advantages of these and other structures can be clearly understood by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The above summary and the following detailed description are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit any aspect of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] A more complete understanding of this disclosure will be achieved by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view is shown of an exemplary cable training assembly configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1B Show Figure 1A An exemplary biaxially oriented plot of a cable training component; Figure 2 Show Figure 1A Detailed views of the components of the selector assembly shown; Figure 3 Show Figure 1A A side sectional view of an exemplary cable training component is shown. Figures 4A-4Dschematically shown Figure 1A The movement and positioning of the locking mechanism of the selector component; Figure 5A and 5B Show Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the selector component ( Figure 5A ) and positive biaxial projection ( Figure 5B ); Figures 6A-6C Show Figure 1A The relative positioning of the intermittent gear transmission system of the selector assembly shown; Figure 7A and 7B Show Figure 1A A detailed view of the first configuration of the locking mechanism of the selector component shown; Figure 8A and 8B Show Figure 1A The second configuration of the locking mechanism of the selector component shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The fitness device disclosed herein solves several problems in prior art designs. This fitness device is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry and use. The following sections will discuss exemplary structures of the components of the fitness device of this disclosure and related methods.

[0013] In the following description, the same components have the same reference numerals regardless of the illustrated embodiments. For clarity and conciseness, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and some structures may be shown schematically. This disclosure may describe and / or illustrate structures in one embodiment, and in one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, and / or combine or substitute structures with those of other embodiments.

[0014] In the specification and claims, for the purpose of describing and defining the invention, the terms “approximately” and “substantially” indicate the degree of uncertainty inherent in any quantitative comparison, numerical value, measurement, or other expression. The terms “approximately” and “substantially” also indicate the degree of deviation between a quantitative expression and an established reference value without altering the essential function of the subject matter. Open-ended terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and / or their plural forms include the listed components and may include additional components not listed, while terms such as “and / or” include one or more of the listed components and combinations thereof. The use of terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., is merely to aid in the clear description of the invention and does not in any way limit the structure, positioning, and / or operation of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1AA cross-sectional view is shown of a resistance-based cable training assembly 100 configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The various components of the assembly 100 may be at least partially housed within a housing of a portable exercise device, which is omitted from the drawings for clarity. The housing may include any suitable structure of any size and shape for housing and protecting the various components of the assembly 100. The housing may also include one or more mounting elements for mounting the assembly 100 to a mounting surface such as a wall.

[0016] like Figure 1A As shown, component 100 may include a screw mechanism configured to convert rotational motion into linear motion and rotational force (i.e., torque) into linear force. For example, component 100 may include a ball screw assembly 102, which may include a threaded ball screw 104 that passes at least partially through an internally threaded ball nut 106. The ball screw 104 may be fixed relative to the base unit 124 and may have a selected pitch such that rotation of the ball nut 106 relative to the ball screw 104 causes the ball nut 106 to be compressed or otherwise deformed by rotation of the ball nut 106, as will be further described below. In some embodiments, the resistance of each of the plurality of springs 110 may be different from the resistance of the other springs 110.

[0017] While exemplary embodiments disclose a ball screw 104, this disclosure also contemplates the use of other types of screws, such as lead screws, roller screws, or other forms of ball screws. Embodiments of screw-like motion may also include rollers or cam followers running on a helical track outside the spool. As shown, embodiments of multiple springs 110 may include multiple springs 110 arranged equidistantly around the ball screw 104 (e.g., five or six springs 110 as shown). However, this disclosure also contemplates more or fewer than five or six springs 110, as well as spacing arrangements other than equidistant. Embodiments of springs 110 may be nitrogen springs. However, this disclosure also contemplates other suitable springs 110, such as other types of compression springs, other forms of gas springs, or hydraulic springs. Embodiments of springs 110 may include damped and undamped springs 110. Embodiments of springs 110 may also include tension springs, such that the deformation of the spring 110 involves tension rather than compression. Embodiments of spring 110 may also include a rotary spring, such as a torsion spring, a dynamic spring, or a constant force spring. Embodiments of spring may also include a cantilevered or clutch-type spring, such as a leaf spring, a single-sided leaf spring, or a diaphragm spring.

[0018] Still refer to Figure 1AA spool or reel 108 may be mounted on a ball nut 106 and may be configured to store a rope or cable 112 wound around the outer surface of the spool 108. The spool 108 may be configured to convert the linear tension of the cable 112 into the torque required to rotate the ball nut 106 relative to the ball screw 104. For example, one end (not shown) of the cable 112 may be fixed to the spool 108, while the other end 112a may be configured to be connected to a handle or grip pulled by a user. Embodiments of the spool 108 may employ a tapered design to compensate for the increase in force generated when the spring 110 deforms. A roller assembly 114 may be configured to ensure that the cable 112 can be properly wound onto and unwound from the spool 108. Embodiments of the roller assembly 114 may also be configured to allow a user to pull the cable 112 in different directions while reducing friction on the cable 112. Embodiments of the roller assembly 114 may be formed as an integrated part of the housing. The cable 112 can be made of any suitable material; in some embodiments, it can be made of a material with high strength, flexibility, and low tensile strength. The first ends 110a of the plurality of springs 110 can be connected to the ball nut 106 via a first mounting 116. A spring nut bearing 120 can be mounted between the ball nut 106 and the first ends 110a of the springs 110. The middle portion 110b of the springs 110 can also be connected to the housing via a second mounting 118, which includes a cam follower 115 and a track 117, and the second end 110c of the springs 110 can slide relative to the retainer component 130 of the locking mechanism. The selector assembly 122 can include a user-engageable component such as a knob 126 mounted on the housing below the base unit 124. As described below, the knob 126 can selectively engage with one or more of a plurality of gear rings 128 via an intermittent gear transmission system. The outer surface of the knob 126 may include markings (not shown) that allow the user to select the amount of retraction force exerted by the spring 110 on the cable 112 when adjusting (e.g., rotating) the knob 126.

[0019] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Axonometric projection of component 100. (See attached image.) Figure 1B As shown, the outer surface of the base unit 124 may include a plurality of openings 127, which are configured to receive corresponding lugs 135 on the knob 126. The engagement of the lugs 135 with the openings 127 allows the knob 126 to be locked in place relative to the base unit 124.

[0020] Figure 2 Show Figure 1A A detailed view of the selector component 122 shown. (See attached image.) Figure 2As shown, the gear ring 128 of the selector assembly 122 can be configured to rotate the retainer member 130 by a predetermined angle. The retainer member 130 can define a bore 132 extending along the central axis A of the spring 110 and configured to receive one of the plurality of springs 110 when it passes through an opening 125 in the base unit 124. The wall 131 of the retainer member 130 can define a plurality of holes 133 arranged radially about the central axis A and configured to allow the ball bearing 134 to move toward and away from the bore 132. For example, as shown, the wall 131 of the retainer member 130 can define four holes 133. However, this disclosure also considers more or fewer than four holes 133. The second end 110c of the spring 110 may further define a curved or tapered region 111 for engagement with the ball bearing 134 when it partially extends into the bore 132. The inner surface of the retainer component 130 may also include a groove 129 for receiving the ball bearing 134 as it moves away from the bore 132.

[0021] Figure 3 Show Figure 1A A side sectional view of component 100 shown. For example, Figure 3 Multiple springs 110 are shown located within the reel 108. A ball screw 104 can be fixedly connected to the base unit 124, while a spring nut bearing 120 can be connected to both the reel 108 and the ball nut 106. The springs 110 can extend partially into a drilled hole 132 in the retainer component 130. Figure 3 The cable 112 is shown in its fully retracted state, and the multiple springs 110 are not subjected to any force applied by the user. However, when the user pulls the free end of the cable 112 via a handle or grip connected to it, the tension applied to the cable 112 may cause it to unwind from the reel 108, starting from the lowest part of the reel 108 and proceeding upwards. This unwinding, in turn, may cause the reel 108 and the connected ball nut 106 to rotate and translate relative to the ball screw 104. As the ball nut 106 rotates and translates, it may apply axial and tangential loads to the spring nut bearing 120. Since the first mounting base 116 is connected to the reel 108 via the spring nut bearing 120 and is rotated and aligned via the cam follower 115 and the rail 117 (…),… Figure 1ATherefore, rotation caused by tangential loads can be eliminated, allowing spring 110 to move linearly without rotation. As shown, if selector assembly 122 is in the engaged position for a particular spring 110, axial movement of each of the plurality of springs 110 may cause spring 110 to deform between spring nut bearing 120 and ball bearing 134. Unselected springs 110 will continue to translate axially into the bore 132 of retainer member 130 without deformation. In some embodiments, one of retainer members 130 (e.g., the sixth retainer member 130) may be configured without ball bearings, allowing the corresponding spring 110 to translate freely within the bore 132 without deformation. Since ball screw assembly 102 generates a force opposite to the force generated when the user pulls cable 112, deformation of spring 110 may generate a recoil force on cable 112. When the opposing force generated by the deformation of the spring 110 is greater than the force generated when the user pulls the cable 112, the reel 108 will move in opposite directions of translation and rotation, thereby causing the cable 112 to rewind around the reel 108.

[0022] Figures 4A-4D The movement and positioning of the locking mechanism of the selector assembly 122 during use are schematically shown. Specifically, Figures 4A-4D The diagram illustrates the difference in the mechanical positions of the spring 110, ball bearing 134, gear ring 128, and retainer component 130 between the engaged and disengaged positions of the selector assembly 122. The selector assembly 122 can be operated by controlling a predetermined arrangement of the spring 110 corresponding to the total resistance level applied to the cable 112.

[0023] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the user can first adjust the selector knob 126 ( Figure 3 The desired resistance level can be selected, for example, by rotating knob 126 relative to base unit 124. Each step adjustment of knob 126 of the selector causes gear ring 128 and retainer component 130 to rotate about the central axis A of spring 110 by a preset angle. In some embodiments, the preset angle may be 45 degrees. However, this disclosure also considers cases where the rotation angle is greater than or less than 45 degrees. As retainer component 130 rotates, it moves to a first position in which ball bearing 134 enters the translational path of spring 110, at which point ball bearing 134 partially enters bore 132 and engages with tapered region 111 of spring 110. This movement of ball bearing 134 prevents spring 110 from entering retainer component 130, thereby deforming spring 110 between spring nut bearing 120 and ball bearing 134. Figure 4C and4D As shown, when the user continues to adjust knob 126, retainer component 130 moves to a second position. In this second position, ball bearing 134 moves out of the translational path of spring 110. At this time, the tapered portion at the end of spring 110 pushes ball bearing 134 radially outward into groove 129. This movement of ball bearing 134 causes spring 110 to pass through retainer component 130, thus preventing further deformation and releasing tension on cable 112.

[0024] Figure 5A Show Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the selector component. For example... Figure 5A As shown, the knob 126 may include an external gear 136 having a plurality of ribs 138 configured to selectively engage with one or more of gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e as the user progressively adjusts the knob 126. As described above, selecting or deselecting the gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e generates specific resistance on the cable 112, depending on whether the spring 110 associated with the gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e can deform or is prevented from deforming. For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, the height of rib 138 can vary relative to the inner wall of external gear 136. Conversely, the positions of gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e along the length of retainer member 130 can also vary, such that when the user adjusts knob 126, a portion of gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e can engage with rib 138, thereby moving retainer member 130 between a first position and a second position, while the other portions of gear rings 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, and 128e pass over rib 138 and therefore do not engage with rib 138. For example, gear ring 128a can be positioned to engage with each rib 138, while gear ring 128b can be positioned to engage with every other rib 138. Gear ring 128c can be positioned to mesh with only one rib 138, while gear ring 128d can be positioned to mesh with only a different rib 138. Gear ring 128e can be positioned not to mesh with any rib 138. Examples of gear rings 128c, 128d, and 128e can have an external structure different from gear rings 128a and 128b (as shown in the figure), or they can have the same external structure as gear rings 128a and 128b.

[0025] Figures 6A-6CThis illustrates the relative positioning of the intermittent gear transmission system of this disclosure when the user adjusts knob 126, for example, by rotating knob 126 counterclockwise. Figure 6A As shown, when knob 126 is in the first rotational position, the ball bearing 134 associated with gear ring 128a can be located inside the bore 132 of retainer component 130, while the ball bearings 134 associated with gear rings 128b and 128c can be located outside the bore 132. Figure 6B As shown, when knob 126 is in the second rotation position, gear ring 128a engages with rib 138 and rotates, thereby driving retainer component 130 to rotate, causing ball bearing 134 to move out of borehole 132. Simultaneously, gear rings 128b and 128c can also engage with rib 138 and rotate, causing ball bearing 134 to move into borehole 132, resulting in a greater retraction force on cable 112 compared to the first rotation position. Finally, as... Figure 6C As shown, when knob 126 is in the third rotational position, gear ring 128a can re-engage with rib 138 and rotate, thereby allowing ball bearing 134 to move again within borehole 132. Gear rings 128b and 128c can remain in their positions (not engaged with rib 138 during knob 126 rotation), thus their associated ball bearing 134 can remain in its position within borehole 132. Consequently, the retraction force on cable 112 is greater at this position compared to the second rotational position.

[0026] Figure 7A and 7B yes Figures 4A-4D A detailed view of the first configuration of the locking mechanism shown. (See attached image.) Figure 7A and 7B As shown, during the rotation of the retainer component 130, the ball bearing 134 can remain in a fixed position within the bore 113. When the bore 133 is aligned with the groove 129, the rotation of the retainer component 130 allows the ball bearing 134 to be pushed into the groove 129 by the spring 110. Figure 8A and 8B As shown, in the second configuration of the locking mechanism, the ball bearing 134' can move along the track 140 during the rotation of the retainer component 130'. When the ball bearing 134' is aligned with the recess 142, the rotation of the retainer component 130' can push the ball bearing 134' into the recess 142 in the retainer component 130' by the spring 110.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of component 100 (not shown), the spool 108 may be fixed to the ball screw 104 instead of the ball nut 106, which may be fixed relative to the selector assembly 122. In this embodiment, the spool 108 and ball screw 104 translate together to deform the spring 110, rather than translating together with the spool 108 and ball nut 106. In other embodiments, component 100 may use rollers or bearings on the outer diameter of the spool 108 and use helical grooves inside the housing to produce the same rotational and translational motion achieved by the ball screw 104. In other embodiments, the resistance elements of component 100 may be mounted in series, or the springs 110 may be mounted in a mixed configuration rather than in parallel, or both.

[0028] While this disclosure has specifically shown and described preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application as defined by the appended claims. The scope of this application is intended to cover such changes. Therefore, the above description of embodiments of this application is not intended to limit the full scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable training assembly for use in exercise equipment, the cable training assembly comprising: The cable is designed for the user to pull on; as well as A screw mechanism, operably connected to the cable, is configured to deform at least one spring; The deformation of the at least one spring exerts a retraction force on the cable.

2. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cable training component is housed within a portable casing.

3. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The screw mechanism is a ball screw assembly, which includes a threaded ball screw that passes at least partially through an internally threaded ball nut.

4. The cable training assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The cable is wound around a reel mounted on the screw mechanism, so that the reel can rotate and translate relative to the ball screw by the user pulling on the cable.

5. The cable training assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The cable is wound around a reel mounted on the screw mechanism, so that the reel can rotate and translate relative to the ball nut by the user pulling on the cable.

6. The cable training assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The reel is mounted on one of the ball screw and the ball nut.

7. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one spring can selectively engage with the selector assembly.

8. The cable training assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The selector assembly includes a user-engageable component. The adjustment of the user-engageable component allows the at least one spring to selectively engage and disengage.

9. The cable training assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The user-engageable component is a rotatable knob.

10. The cable training assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The selector assembly enables the at least one spring to selectively engage and disengage via an intermittent gear transmission system.

11. The cable training assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The intermittent gear transmission system includes an external gear located on a knob of the selector assembly, the external gear being configured to engage a gear ring associated with the at least one spring.

12. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one spring is a nitrogen spring.

13. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The deformation of the at least one spring includes the compression of the at least one spring.

14. The cable training assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The deformation of the at least one spring includes the stretching of the at least one spring.

15. A selector assembly for an exercise device, the exercise device including a cable training assembly, the cable training assembly including a cable and at least one spring, the selector assembly comprising: The user-engageable component is operably connected to at least one locking mechanism; The at least one locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and disengage the at least one spring via an intermittent gear transmission system when the user adjusts the user-engageable component. The at least one spring is deformed by the engagement of the at least one locking mechanism with the at least one spring. The deformation of the at least one spring exerts a retraction force on the cable.

16. The selector assembly of claim 15, wherein, The user-engageable component is a rotatable knob.

17. The selector assembly of claim 15, wherein, The selector assembly also includes a retaining member that defines a drill hole configured to receive the at least one spring. The intermittent gear transmission system controls the movement of multiple ball bearings relative to the borehole as they enter and exit.

18. The selector assembly of claim 17, wherein, The selector assembly is adjustable between a first position and a second position, in which the at least one spring engages with the plurality of ball bearings, and in the second position, the at least one spring translates freely within the borehole.

19. The selector assembly of claim 18, wherein, When the cable is pulled by the user, the at least one spring deforms when the plurality of ball bearings engage with the at least one spring.

20. The selector assembly of claim 18, wherein, When the cable is pulled by the user, the at least one spring does not deform as it moves freely within the borehole.

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