Patent ID: 7878955
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An integrated resistance spring force machine comprising: a. a plurality of internal transverse sections with each section having a respective constant force spring to output a respective magnitude of a spring resistance force which serves as the respective force loads when in use, and a force selection mechanism which is used to selectively activate one or more respective constant force springs so that the respective force loads of the selected constant force springs can be output to a combined level of resistance; b. each of the internal transverse sections has an identical structural configuration comprising a central pulley connected to first and second identical flat constant force springs which are respectively connected to respective first and second side pulleys, each central pulley having a pair of oppositely disposed internal grooves, wherein the position of the first spring is symmetric to the position of the second spring relative to a center of the central pulley so that the first and second springs will expand and each will apply an identical constant force to the central pulley if the central pulley is in rotation; c. the force selection mechanism comprised of a plurality of cams positioned in a given relationship to the respective central pulleys, wherein each cam is a cylindrical structure comprising a central square opening and an exterior cylindrical surface with a plurality of alternating pockets and plateaus positioned around respective upper and lower circumferences of the exterior surface of each cam, respective upper and lower ball bearings which are movably received in the respective upper and lower circumferences of each cam so that half of the respective ball bearings will be either in or out of the pockets when its respective cam is rotated; d. an elongated force selection square shaft that penetrates through the central openings of the respective cams, a cylindrical housing that surrounds the cams and serves as a housing for the cams, and a force selection knob which is mated with a collar and coordinated with the cams to cause the cams to rotate by a given turn when the force selection knob is rotated by a given rotational turn; and e. the cylindrical housing comprised of first and second longitudinal sets of transverse longitudinally spaced apart openings on a cylindrical wall of the housing, wherein each opening from the first set is positioned 180 degrees apart from each opening in the second set, the respective transverse openings of the first longitudinal set are respectively positioned to match the upper circumferences of the respective cams and the transverse openings of the second longitudinal set are respectively positioned to match the lower circumferences of the respective cams so that some of the ball bearings of the respective cams will be aligned with a plateau of a cam and thereby half of such ball bearings will be pushed so that it rests partially in a respective transverse opening of the housing and partially in an internal groove of the central pulley, and half of some of the ball bearings will remain in a pocket of a cam and half of the ball bearings will remain in an opening of the housing if a plateau is not aligned with an opening in the housing whereby the engagement of a ball bearing in an opening of the housing and a corresponding internal groove of the central pulley causes a resistance force from the constant force springs associated with that cam to be engaged.