Patent ID: 7942793
Filing Date: 2011-05-17
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An adjustable resistance exercise device comprising a support frame; at least one cable receiving spool rotatably coupled to the support frame; at least one cable coupled to the cable receiving spool, wherein a length of the cable is coiled around the cable receiving spool in a retracted position and wherein the length of the cable extends from the cable receiving spool in an extended position, wherein the cable receiving spool is rotatable in a winding direction when the cable is being retracted toward the retracted position, and wherein the cable receiving spool is rotatable in an unwinding direction when the cable is being extended toward the extended position; and at least one adjustable resistance and retraction mechanism operably coupled to the cable receiving spool to apply an adjustable resistance force to the cable receiving spool and to apply a retraction force to the cable receiving spool independent of the adjustable resistance force, wherein the resistance force resists rotation of the cable receiving spool in the unwinding direction to resist extension of the cable toward the extended position when the cable receiving spool is rotating in the unwinding direction, wherein the resistance force is applied only when the cable receiving spool is rotating in the unwinding direction, and wherein the retraction force causes the cable receiving spool to rotate in the winding direction to retract the cable toward the retracted position when the cable receiving spool is rotating in the winding direction, wherein the at least one adjustable resistance and retraction mechanism includes a rotation resistance member operably coupled to the cable receiving spool to apply the adjustable resistance force to the cable receiving spool and a tension adjustment member operably coupled to the resistance member to adjust the resistance force applied to the cable receiving spool, wherein the adjustable resistance and retraction mechanism comprises: at least one resistance wheel rotatably coupled to the support frame and selectively engaged with the cable receiving spool such that the cable receiving spool and the resistance wheel are engaged when the cable receiving spool rotates in the unwinding direction and the cable receiving spool and the resistance wheel are disengaged when the cable receiving spool rotates in the winding direction, wherein the at least one rotation resistance member engages the resistance wheel to resist rotation of the resistance wheel and the tension adjustment member increases or decreases the degree of engagement between said rotation resistance member and said resistance wheel, and wherein the tension adjustment member includes at least one adjustment rod and at least two sliding blocks operatively coupled to the force resistance member and configured to move relative to said adjustment rod in opposing directions.