Tension apparatus

Abstract

A tension apparatus (60), including: a strap (18); a handle (16), for allowing pulling a first end of the strap (18); a tension spring (22) configured to provide resistance to the pulling force; a pulley (20) including two rods (26,27), for wrapping the strap (18) on the two rods (26,27) as a maze; and an adjustable stopper (19) configured to twist the pulley (20) when the spring (22) reaches a desired extension, thereby reducing friction between overlapping portions of the strap and regulating the resistance force.

Description

[0001] TENSION APPARATUS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to tension apparatus in general, and more particularly to a tension apparatus for weight lift applications.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] One of the important activities that people do is sports, for example at home, in gyms, etc. One of the popular activities in performing strength exercises is called weight lift. The exercises involve weight training, in which a barbell is lifted from the floor in a position where the legs are bent and the back is straight. From time to time, the amount and weight of the weights used in the barbell are changed. Many people do sports exercises at home, and the equipment that includes a barbell, is cumbersome, large, expensive and inconvenient for home use.

[0006] There is a long felt need to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A tension apparatus, including:

[0009] a strap;- a handle, for allowing pulling a first end of the strap; - A tension spring used to apply resistance to the pulling force;

[0010] - a pulley including two rods, for wrapping the strap on the two rods as a maze;

[0011] - A mechanism configured to regulate extension of the spring during application of a pulling force, thereby controlling the resulting resistance;

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0014] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary exercise apparatus known in the art.

[0015] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the exemplary exercise apparatus known in the art.

[0016] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary exercise apparatus.

[0017] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the exemplary exercise apparatus of Fig. 3 at another position.

[0018] Fig. 9 depicts the apparatus according to another embodiment.Fig. 10 depicts the apparatus of Fig. 9 at another position.

[0019] Fig. 11 depicts the apparatus of Fig. 10 at another position.

[0020] Fig. 12 depicts the apparatus of Fig. 11 at another position.

[0021] Fig. 13 depicts a perspective diagram of an adjustable resistance device.

[0022] Fig. 14 depicts a two-dimensional diagram in a side view of an adjustable resistance device for physical activity.

[0023] Fig. 19 is a side view of an exercise apparatus according to another embodiment at a first rotational state.

[0024] Fig. 20 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig.

[0025] 19 at a second rotational state.

[0026] Fig. 21 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig.

[0027] 19 at a third rotational state.

[0028] Fig. 22 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig.

[0029] 19 at a fourth rotational state.

[0030] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention will be understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, whichare meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features are not described in detail.

[0033] The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

[0034] The present invention relates to a tension apparatus that simulates a barbell configured to be adapted with a variable number of weights. The device includes a platform on which a user stands and pulls upwards or downwards or aside, a handle attached to a strap that activates a pulley. Responsively, the pulley stretches a spring while the strap is pulled from a spring-loaded roller (take-up roller). Part of the loading (weights) that the user feels while lifting the handle is caused by tension in the spring and by friction created by the pulley. When lowering the handle, the pulley is released as a result of contraction of the spring and the take-up roller collects the strap. The apparatus includes an adjustable stop that limits the movement of the pulley. Optionally, the adjustable stop may limit the extension of the spring to the desired resistance force. It is noted that the exercise apparatus, unlike the use of a barbell, exerts relatively little weight, if any, when the handle is being lowered.In some embodiments, the spring is a tension spring configured to resist pulling action by the user, and the degree of tension may be adjusted. The degree of tension may be associated with the amount of tensing of the spring.

[0035] In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus is of a compact size and relatively inexpensive, and allows each user to perform strength exercise. Due to its compact size, and its relatively lightweight design, the apparatus may be easily carried by hand and easily stored. It is potentially advantageous over the use of barbell systems as it eliminates the need for carrying weights as is required by barbell systems.

[0036] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary exercise apparatus known in the art. Shown in the figure is the user (10) lifting (14) a barbell (12) from the floor upwards.

[0037] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the exemplary exercise apparatus known in the art. Shown in the figure is the user (10) lowering (15) the barbell (12) to the floor.

[0038] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary tension apparatus, optionally used for weight lift training, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in the fig. is the apparatus including a base (38) on which the user (10) stands and lifts (14) a handle (16), the handle pulls a strap (18) which acts on a pulley (20) and stretches a tension spring (22) while pulling the strap (18)from a take-up roller (24). Part of the load (weight) felt by the user (10) when lifting (14) the handle is caused by the tension of the spring (22) and another part by friction created by the pulley (20).

[0039] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the exemplary weight lift exercise apparatus of Fig. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown in the fig 4. is the user lowering (15) the handle (16). During the lowering of the handle (16), the pulley (20) is released as a result of the retraction of the spring (22) to its equilibrium state, and the take-up roller (24) as including a spring, collects the strap.

[0040] Fig. 9 depicts a two-dimensional schematic of a schematic diagram depicting the adjustable resistance device for physical activity, in the initial stage, at which stage the band does not touch itself, minimal friction. The collecting roller (24) exerts a force that couples the stopper (26) in the locking mechanism (20) to the fixed stop / bridge (21). Pulling the strap (18) upward applies a rightward force to the rod (26), which in turn generates a clockwise rotational force on the pulley (20). The clockwise rotation resulting from the rod (26) being positioned above the center of the pulley. As the pulley rotates clockwise, the friction of the strap with itself increases, up to full locking.

[0041] In the diagram we see the collecting roller of the band (24), the friction rods (26,27), the tension spring (22) and the band (18).We also see the adjustable stop / bridge (19), whose location may be determined and thus determine the strength of the resistance that will be felt during the exercise. Fixed stop / bridge (21) limits the rotation of the wheel (20), the rod (26) that is used for friction and also for the stop against the bridges (19,21). The roller (27) is used only for friction.

[0042] Fig. 10 depicts a two-dimensional schematic of a schematic diagram depicting the adjustable resistance device for physical activity, in the locking stage. At this stage, the user pulls the strap (18) upwards, resulting in the strap locking under pressure and unable to slide through the resistance mechanism (20). In this condition, further pulling of the strap causes tensioning of the spring.

[0043] In the diagram, we see the strap take-up pulley (24), the friction pulley (20), the tension spring (22) and the strap (18).

[0044] We also see the adjustable stop / bridge (19) and the fixed stop / bridge (21) that limits the rotation of the wheel (20), the roller (26) that is used for friction and also for stopping against bridges (19,21). Roller (27) is used only for friction.

[0045] On one hand, the strap (18) exerts a force on the rod (27) to the right. On the other hand, the spring (22) exerts a force to the left. Therefore, the connection point of the spring with the wheel (20) is exactly at the height of the rod (27). Therefore, the wheel (20) reaches a position where therod (26) is just above the rod (27), which is the locked position.

[0046] Fig. 11 depicts a two-dimensional schematic of a schematic diagram depicting the adjustable resistance device for physical activity, in the locking phase and at maximum extension of the spring. At this point the pinstop protruding from the friction roller (26) meets the adjustable stop / bridge (19)

[0047] In the diagram we see the belt collection roller (24), the friction rollers, the tension spring (22) and the belt (18)

[0048] We also see the adjustable stop / bridge (19) and the fixed stop / bridge (21) that limits the rotation of the wheel (20), the roller (26) that is used for friction and also for stopping against bridges (19,21) The roller (27) is used only for friction

[0049] Fig. 12 depicts a two-dimensional schematic of a principle diagram depicting the adjustable tension device for physical activity, at this point, when the user pulls the strap up (18) the pulley (20) rotates slightly back counterclockwise because the pin (26) is in contact with the adjustable stop / bridge (19) and cannot move with the direction of the pull. As a result, the lock opens slightly. As the user continues to pull the strap upwards (18), the strap passes through the pulley (20) with friction. The spring tension will remain constant and the amount of resistance felt by the user will be in accordance with the spring tension. Now, if the user releases the pull (18), the spring(22) will pull the pulley (20) back until the spring (22) is fully compressed. At this point, the take-up roller (24) will slightly pull the pulley (20) and cause it to rotate counterclockwise until the pin (26) meets the fixed stop / bridge (21). In this position the locking mechanism is open with minimum friction and the strap will freely collect on the collection roller and finally the situation will return to Fig. 9.

[0050] In the figure we see the strap collection roller (24), the friction rollers (26,27), the tension spring (22) and the strap (18)

[0051] We also see the adjustable stop / bridge (19) and the fixed stop / bridge (21) that limits the rotation of the wheel (20), the roller (26) that is used for friction and also for stopping against bridges (19,21) Roller (27) is used only for friction

[0052] Fig. 13 depicts a perspective diagram of an adjustable resistance device for physical activity containing plate 38 (the base), a collection roller (24) for the strap, a strap (18), two rods (26, 27) and a tension spring (22).

[0053] An axle (50) is rotatable and is not liftable from board 38 on which the user stands, due to bridges 52. In contrast, the pulley (20) is slidable on plate 38.

[0054] Fig. 14 depicts a two-dimensional diagram in a side view of an adjustable resistance device for physical activity.

[0055] Fig. 19 is a side view of an exercise apparatus according to another embodiment at a first rotational state.According to this embodiment, pulley 20 is rotatable about a hinge 58 fixed (66) to plate 38.

[0056] Further, the rotational state of pulley 20 is adjustable, such as by a latch or a brake 62.

[0057] At the position of Fig. 19, latch 62 enters a niche 64A. Even though strap 18 wraps rods 26 as a maze, strap 18 wraps rods 26 without any attachment with itself as shown by gap 52.

[0058] Fig. 20 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 19 at a second rotational state.

[0059] At the position of Fig. 20, latch 62 enters a niche 64B, for which strap 18 wraps rods 26 with slight attachment with itself.

[0060] Fig. 21 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 19 at a third rotational state.

[0061] At the position of Fig. 21, latch 62 enters a niche 64C, for which the maze is deeper, as strap 18 wraps rods 26 with significant attachment with itself, which produces light friction upon lifting handle 18.

[0062] Fig. 22 is a side view of the exercise apparatus of Fig. 19 at a fourth rotational state.

[0063] At the position of Fig. 22, latch 62 enters a niche 64D, for which the maze is even deeper, as strap 18 wraps rods 26 with increased attachment with itself, which produces strong friction upon lifting handle 18.Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to an exercise apparatus (60), including:

[0064] - a strap (18);

[0065] - a handle (16), for allowing pulling a first end of the strap (18);

[0066] - A tension spring (22) used to apply resistance to the pulling force;

[0067] - A mechanism configured to regulate extension of the spring (22) during application of a pulling force, thereby controlling the resulting resistance;

[0068] The means for regulating the extension of the spring (22), may include:

[0069] - a pulley (20) including two rods (26,27), for wrapping the strap (18) on the two rods (26) as a maze;

[0070] - a stopper (19), for twisting the pulley (20) when the spring (22) reaches a desired extension, thereby reducing friction between overlapping portions of the strap and regulating the resistance force.

[0071] Placement of the stopper (19) is adjustable, for selecting the maximum extension of the spring (22), thereby selecting the extent of the friction of the strap (18) with itself.

[0072] The exercise apparatus (60) may further include:- a springy take up roller (24), for collecting a second end of the strap (18).

[0073] The exercise apparatus (60) may further include:

[0074] - a plate (38), for standing thereon;

[0075] - an axle (50) being rotatable and not liftable from the plate (38).

[0076] The exercise apparatus (60) may be used for weight lift training.

[0077] The pulling may be upwards or downwards or aside.

[0078] The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention have been presented for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

[0079] Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted according to this definition.

[0080] The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A tension apparatus (60), comprising:- a strap (18);- a handle (16), for allowing pulling a first end of said strap (18);- A tension spring (22) used to apply resistance to the pulling force;- a pulley (20) comprising two rods (26,27), for wrapping said strap (18) on said two rods (26,27) as a maze, thereby producing friction of said strap (18) with itself; - A mechanism configured to regulate extension of the spring (22) during application of a pulling force, thereby controlling the resulting resistance.

2. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 1, wherein said mechanism for regulating said spring (22) extension, comprises:- a plate (38), for allowing sliding said pulley (20) on said plate (38);- a stopper (19), for twisting said pulley when said extension spring (22) reaches some extension, thereby reducing the amount of friction of said strap (18) with itself and maintaining the desired resistance;3. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 2, wherein placement of said stopper (19) is adjustable, for selecting said spring (22) extension, for selecting the amount of resistance4. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 1, further comprising:- a springy take up roller (24), for collecting a second end of said strap (18).

5. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 1, further comprising:- a plate (38), for standing thereon;- an axle (50) being rotatable and not liftable from said plate (38).

6. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 1, used for weight lift training.

7. The tension apparatus (60) according to claim 1, wherein said pulling comprises a pulling direction selected from a group including: upwards, downwards, aside.

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