A RESISTANCE REEL FOR AN EXERCISER

Abstract: A resistance reel (1) for an exerciser, to pull out an extractive band (Y) against an adjustable force of resistance and to rewind said band by the aid of a return spring (I). The resistance reel comprises a central pin (P) with an extraction section (A), and a resistance section (B) mounted on said pin. The components of said sections which are rotatable relative to central pin (P) are connected by the aid of a clutch means (G, N) for non-rotatable connection in one direction for pulling out, and are freewheeling for rewinding of extractive band (Y). One end of central pin (P) is intended for non-rotatable attachment to a stationary point, if desired, via a socket for use of resistance reel (1) as an exerciser.

Description: A resistance reel for an exerciser The present invention relates to a resistance reel for exercisers, where an extractive band is pulled out against an adjustable force of resistance and rewound by the aid of a return spring of the kind as stated in the preamble of the following independent claim 1. A resistance reel of the kind mentioned above is previously known, e.g. from French Patent No. 2 274 322, where a resistance reel with the above stated properties is dis¬ closed. The friction disks in the resistance section here constitute full annular faces which are forced towards each other by the aid of a spring arrangement comprising a number of helical compression springs which are provided between the friction disk that is non-rotatingly. mounted on the shaft, and a compression disk, which is provided on the shaft and may, by the aid of a control wheel cooperating with threads on the shaft, be moved to or from the compression springs tβ adjust the pressure between friction disks and, thus, the braking effect and resistance to unwinding the extractive band. The mentioned control means is bulky, and the friction- al heat generated between friction disks in use of the resistance reel may propagate, via the shaft, to the surrounding casing and may heat the casing to a high temperature which is uncomfortable when the casing is touched. The clutch means between resistance section and unwinding section is achieved by a free wheel and is bulky. Furthermore, it is stated in said French Specification that the shaft is mounted in the casing, and that the casing is secured to a firm support, e.g. to a rail on a wall where the level of the casing may be adjusted. The.- casing or cover, thus, has to be strong enough to absorb the tensioning force and the point of attachment of the casing on the firm support when the resistance reel is used. This means that the casing must have a sturdy design and the whole resistance reel will consequently show a large volume. It is an object of the present invention to provide a resistance reel for exercisers where the above disadvantages are avoided, and to provide a resistance reel where different components may be readily mounted and where components which are subjected to wear can readily be exchanged. The resulting resistance reel will generate no uncomfortably hot surfaces in use, its maintenance is simple and it can readily be adjusted to the desired resistance against unwinding. According to the invention this is achieved by the aid of the characterizing features stated in the characterizing part of the following independent claim 1 and the following dependent claims. By building the resistance reel, as stated in claim 1, with an extraction section and a resistance section which are provided on a central pin with a two-piece cover, the central pin will be the carrying component which is to be attached to a stationary support at one end. The two-piece cover will, thus, have no carrying function and in designing said cover it is not necessary to consider its sturdiness. The dependent claims state structural features of the extraction section and resistance section as well as the clutch means connecting them, which features with the carrying central pin permit production of a resistance reel showing small dimensions and an attractive appearance. All parts of the resistance reel according to the present invention which require high accuracy as regards surface quality and tolerances, are preferably manufactured from steel, whereas remaining parts are manufactured from plastic. This will result in a very low total weight of the resistance reel. The extractive band, preferably, consists of 100$ polyester to be strong and flexible. An embodiment of the resistance reel according to the invention will be disclosed in more detail below with reference to the drawings, where Figure 1 shows an axial section through the resistance reel with a wound-up extractive band, Figure 2a is an exploded view of the extraction section of the resistance reel with its central pin, shown in perspective, and Figure 2b shows the extraction section with the wound-up extractive band in the front cover without central pin, Figure 2c is a plan view of the tensioning sleeve, Figure 3 is an exploded view of the resistance section in perspective, with central pin, and Figures 4, 5, and 6 are front, side, and rear elevations of the resistance reel. Resistance reel 1, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a central pin P on which an extraction section A, and a resistance section B are provided with components that are rotatable relative to central pin P being mutually connected, via a clutch G,N for non-rotatable coupling in one direction when an extractive band Y is pulled out, and freewheeling for rewinding of the extractive band. One end of central pin P is intended for non-rotatable attachment to a stationary point, e.g. a door frame, if desired, via a socket. Extraction section A comprises a reel member F (Figure 2) which is rotatably mounted on central pin P, a reel groove F4 for extractive band Y, and a spring casing F8 which is concentric with the reel groove for return spring I, which is a helical spring secured to spring casing F8 at its outside end 12 and secured to central pin P at its inner end II, via a tensioning sleeve H, which is lockable against rotation on central pin P to tension return spring I. The bearing of reel member F (Figure 1) is a lock bearing G which is non- rotatably mouned in the central opening of reel member F and on a sleeve N, which is rotatably mounted on central pin P for said non-rotatable coupling and clutch between reel member F and the rotatable component of resistance section B, which is non-rotatably connected with the end of sleeve N. Reel member F (Figure 1) is a plastic wheel acting as a holder of return spring I and extractive band Y. A steel sleeve Fl is moulded into the central portion of the reel member and lock bearing G is press-fit into said sleeve. Spring casing F8 is provided with an undercut attaching groove F2 for outer end 12 of return spring I which is shaped with a bend fitting into the attaching groove. Corresponding¬ ly, inner end II of return spring I is by the aid of a bend inserted into an undercut groove HI in tensioning sleeve E. Reel grove F4 has high lateral edges, to keep extractive band Y in place and prevent it from leaping over the edge when the band is pulled out and rewound. At its external circular surface casing F8 of reel member F is provided with a locking groove F3 intended for cooperation with a cor¬ responding locking groove Jl og a spring-return cover J which is pressed onto spring casing F8 and retained by the aid of said cooperating locking grooves F3 and Jl. A thrust washer with wings K2 is provided on one end of tensioning sleeve H with wings 2 in contact with two opposite faces H4 on the surface of tensioning sleeve E. It will appear from Figure 1 that return spring I is in place inside spring housing F8 of reel member F towards bottom F5 of the spring casing and is blocked against lateral movement by thrust washer K and spring-return coyer J. Tensioning sleeve E is arranged centrally inside return spring I whe the latter is mounted in spring casing F8, and the sleeve en which is provided with groove IH2 projects outwards through central opening in spring-return cover J. At its other end tensioning sleeve E has an internal groove E3 for cooperation with a key bolt 0 provided in an aperture PI in central pin P. Extractive band Y (Figures 2a,b) is attached to reel groove F4 by the aid of a loop Yl which is stitched to the extractive band and inserted into a groove F6 in the reel member and mounted on a pin F7. Then extractive band Y is wound into reel groove F4. The outer end of extractive band Y with loop Y2 is passed out through a slot V2 (Figure 2b) in the side wall of front cover F and is then connected with a εnaphook Z, via a compressible half link fastener Zl. Extraction section A composed of the above components is provided on central pin P (Figure 2a) and retained thereon by the aid of a cap nut ¥ cooperating with a thread P2 on the end of central pin which projects through a central aperture in front cover V. By tightening cap nut W front cover V is urged towards a stop on tightening sleeve E, and extraction section A, central pin P, and front cover V are consequently assembled to a unit. When central pin P is inserted into the central opening of reel member F and tensioning sleeve E, return spring I is tensioned by turning tensioning sleeve E once before groove E3 engages key bolt 0. After mounting the above disclosed extraction section on central pin P, resistance section B may be mounted on central pin P. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, resistance section B comprises two cooperating brake disks QT one of which, T, is non- rotatably connected with central pin P. The other rotatable brake disk is axially displaceably and non-rotatably attached to one end of a sleeve N, which is rotatable on central pin P and forms one of two components G,N of the clutch means. Non- rotatable brake disk T is axially displaceable to braking contact with rotatable brake disk Q by the aid of an adjusting nut Ul which cooperates with thread P3 on central pin P. An aperture Nl is provided in the rear end of sleeve N to receive a key bolt 01. Key bolt 01 cooperates with a key slot T2 in non-rotatable brake disk T to permit the above mentioned axial displacement of the latter and, thus, adjustment of its braking contact with rotatable brake disk Q. One of brake disks QT, preferably rotatable brake disk Q, as shown in the drawings, has at least three brake pads S, e.g. six brake pads S evenly distributed along a circular path in opening Ql . At least one spring washer R, possibly two as shown in the drawing, Is provided between each brake pad S and the bottom of associated opening Ql for resilient engagement between brake pads S and the other brake disk T. Openings Ql are preferably through holes and are provided with a stop Q3 on which spring washer R bears. Brake pads S are mounted with a lateral clearance to the side walls of openings Ql in order to reduce heat transmission to brake disk Q and to the components of extraction section A when the completely mounted resistance reel 1 is used. When brake disk Q Is mounted on sleeve N, the other brake disk T may be mounted on central pin P and locked against rotation, an axial slot T2 being provided in the central opening of brake disk T for cooperation with a key bolt 02 which is provided in an opening P5 In central pin P. Brake disk T is, thus, axially dislaceable. The fact that brake pads S are provided on spring washers R in holes Ql in brake disk Q and that there is good clearance between the walls of holes Ql and the brake pads, primarily results in smooth engagement between brake pads S and the opposite brake disk T, spring washers R compensating for any obliqueness between brake disks QT and for any uneven wear or any slight difference in height of brake pads S. Due to said clearance there will also be minimum heat transmission from brake pads S to brake disk Q and to bearings and other movable components of the resistance reel. Adjusting nut Ul for adjustment of the brake presure of non- rotatable brake disk T against rotatable brake disk Q is secured centrally in an adjusting cover U covering the free face of stationary brake disk T. Said adjusting cover ϋ which is preferably a plastic cover, and adjusting nut Ul, which is preferably an internally threaded steel sleeve moulded inside adjusting cover TJ, are screwed onto thread P3 of central pin P. One end of adjusting nut TJ1 will, thus, bear on stationary brake disk T. The engagement between brake disk T and brake disk Q is, thus, adjustable by rotation of adjusting cover U. When the resistance reel, if desired, two resistance reels in the form of an exerciser, is to be used resistance reel 1 or both resistance reels must be mounted by the aid of mountings to a stationary support, e.g. to a door frame or a wall, so that extractive band Y of the resistance reels can be pulled out in desired directions. Before resistance reel 1 is used, adjustment cover ϋ is screwed in towards non-rotatable brake disk T which is, in turn, pushed towards brake pads S on rotatable brake disk Q. By the aid of such adjustment of the contact pressure between brake disk T and brake pads S on the other brake disk Q, the force of resistance against pulling out extractive band Y can be adjusted from 0 kg and up to the desired resistance, e.g. up to 50 kg. Cover U is provided with three radially extending wings TJ3 both forming finger holds for tightening the adjustment cover, and acting as indicators of kilo intervals of the force of resistance (see Figures 4, 5, 6)..• On the periphery of front cover V ten bosses V3 are equally spaced. Together with wings TJ3 on adjustment cover TJ they indicate intervals. If one of wings TJ3 is placed opposite to one of bosses V3 and is then screwed on to the next boss, the force of resistance is increased or decreased, resp. by 5 kg. The intervals between each boss V3, thus, represent a change of the force of resistance by 5 kg, and a complete turn og adjusting cover U, thus, represents an increase of 50 kg of resistance. The rear face of adjusting cover TJ is marked 0-50, as shown in Figure 6. The above mentioned change of the force of resistance by turning adjusting cover TJ corresponding to a boss intervall on front cover V, obviously, only is true for a special embodiment of the resistance reel, since the force of resistance, depends on the number of brake pads S and their distance from central pin P. Even though brake pads S will gradually be worn and the adjusting cover TJ must be screwed further inwards to provide the desired force of resistance, the value of adjusting intervals between two bosses V3 will remain the same. Worn-out brake pads S can simply be exchanged by new ones. Adjusting cover TJ is then screwed out, brake disk T is removed, brake pads S are replaced, and the components are assembled again without use of tools. When the desired force of resistance in kg is set, exercise may begin. When extractive band Y is pulled out, reel F and brake disk Q are simultaneously rotated. This is achieved by the aid of lock bearing G, which is pressed into sleeve Fl of the reel and locks to sleeve N. The latter pulls along brake disk Q with brake pads S, which consist of a material free of asbestos and with very good friction, and which when urged against friction face Tl on stationary friction disk T will provide the desired force of resistance against pulling out extractive band Y. Brake disk T is provided with a number of ribs on its rear face which contribute to increase the surface of thermal conductivity for frictional heat generated between friction disks when the resistance reel is used. Due to the above mentioned good clearance between holes Ql and brake pads S there is negligible heat transmission to brake disk Q. When extractive band Y is pulled out, return spring I is simultaneously tightened, and when the load is removed from extractive band Y, spring I will rotate reel F back and at the same time wind extractive band Y in reel groove F4 of reel F. Such constant extraction/rewinding of extractive band Y at the same time as reel F rotates forwards, and backwards, resp. will occur in an almost soundless manner, due to the fact that return spring I is well encapsulated between reel F and spring cover J. Return spring I cannot move laterally, and all parts which are in contact with the return spring are made of plastic. When extractive band Y is no lonmger pulled and reel F rotates back, at the same time as extractive band Y is rewound in reel groove F4 by the aid of return spring I, brake disk Q will stop in the position it had when extraction stopped. This is due to the fact that lock bearing G holds sleeve N in case of extraction, but will release its hold i case of rotation in the opposite direction. Reel F can, thus, rotate in both directions, whereas brake disk Q only rotates in case of extraction. When the resistance reel disclosed above was tested, return spring I proved to break down after a certain number of extensions and rewinding of extractive band Y. This was caused by fatigue of return spring I. It was desirable to achieve a longer life of return spring I, and various kinds of spun return springs were tested. A spring spun of spring bands to form a conical spring, which when mounted in spring casing F8 of reel F is compressed to a flat helical spring in the spring casing, surprisingly proved to attain considerab¬ ly longer life before break-down, as compared to the previously used common coil spring. Cap nut W on central pin P end adjacent to front cover V may be provided with an opening at its closed end to receive a rod (not shown). When two resistance reels 1,1 are mounted facing each other in a door opening or the like, such a rod may extend from the opening of one cap nut W to the opening in the second cap nut W in the resistance reels 1. If the rod Is axially extendable, the resistance reels and their sockets may, thus, be thrust towards the edges of the door opening resulting in better attachment. Additionally, said rod may be used in connection with exercise. If the resistance reels are mounted at a low level such a rod may be used for a counter hold for the legs of a person doing sit-ups, or it may be used in connection with push-ups when resistance reels and rod are mounted at a high level in the door opening.

Claims: PATENT CLAIMS: 1. A resistance reel (1) of an exerciser, for pulling out an extractive band (Y) against an adjustable force of resist¬ ance, and rewinding by the aid of a return spring (I), comprising a central pin (P) with an extraction section (A) and a resistance section (B) mounted on said pin, where the components of said sections which are rotatable relative to central pin (0) are mutually connected by the aid of a clutch (G,N) for non-rotating connection in one direction in case of extraction and freewheeling for rewinding the extractive band (Y), and a two-piece cover (V,TJ) which encases sections (A,B) and is secured on central pin (P), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that extraction section (A), resistance section (B), and the two-piece cover (V,TJ) are supported by central pin (P), one end of which is intended to be non-rotatably attached to a stationary point, if desired, via a socket. 2. A resistance reel according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that extraction section (A) consists of a reel member (F) with a reel groove (F4) for extractive band (Y), and a spring casing (F8) which is concentric with said reel groove, for return spring (I) which is a helical spring and has its outer end (12) attached to spring casing (F8), and at its inner end (II) is attached to central pin (P), via a tensioning sleeve (E) which can be locked against rotation on central pin (P) for tensioning return spring (I), and where the bearing of reel member (F) is a lock bearing (G) which is non-rotatably arranged in the central opening of reel member (F) and is mounted on a sleeve (N) which is rotatably mounted on central pin- (P) to achieve said non-rotatable connection, and freewheeling, resp., between reel member (F) and the rotatable component of resistance section (B) which is non-rotatably connected with the end of sleeve (N). 3. A resistance reel according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that resistance section (B) consists of two cooperating brake disks (Q,T) one (T) of which is non-rotatably connected with central pin (P) as known per se, and where the other rotatable brake disk (Q) is non-rotatably attached to one end of a sleeve (N), which is rotatable on central pin (P) and forms one of the two components (G,N) of the clutch, said non-rotatable brake disk (T) being axially displaceable to braking contact with rotatable brake disk (Q) by the aid of an adjusting nut (Ul) cooperating with thread (P3) on central pin (P). 4. A resistance reel according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that one of brake disks (Q,T), preferably rotatable brake disk (Q) is provided with at least three brake pads (S) which are mounted in openings (Ql) evenly spaced along a circular path, at least one spring washer (R) being placed between each brake pad (S) and the botom of associated hole (Ql) for resilient contact between brake pads (S) and the other brake disk, preferably (T) to achieve a smooth brake effect. 5. A resistance reel according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that each hole (Ql) is a through hole and is provided with a stop (Q3) for spring washers (R). 6. A resistance reel according to claim 4 and/or claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that brake pads (S) are arranged with a lateral clearance to the εidewalls of holes (Ql) to reduce heat ' transmission to brake disk (Q) and to the components of extraction section (A) when the resistance reel (1) is used. 7. A resistance reel according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that adjustment nut (Ul) is mounted centrally in an adjustment cover (U) which covers the free side of stationary brake disk (T). 8. A resistance reel according to any of preceding claims 1-7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n a front cover (V) for extraction section (A), which has a central opening to receive the other end of central pin (P) which end is provided with a thread (P2), with a cap nut (W) to secure front cover (V) against a stop which is connected with central pin (P), said front cover (V) having a lateral opening (V2) for extractive band (Y). 9. A resistance reel according to any of the previous claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that return spring (I) consists of a spring band which is wound to form a conical spring which is axially compressed to form a flat helical spring in spring casing (F8) of reel cover (F). 10. A reistance reel according to claim 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that cap nut (W) has an opening in its top so as to form a hold for a rod between two resistance reels (1) which are mounted opposite to each other in a door opening or the like, said rod being axially extendable, so that the rod may be used like a pushing rod to push resistance reels (1) with fastening means against their support, and may form a counter hold/gripping rod during exercise.

Inventors: BRAATHEN THOR FROELICH, BRAATHEN, THOR, FROELICH
Applicants: BRAATHEN THOR F, BRAATHEN, THOR, FROELICH
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A63B21
IPC codes: A63B21, A63B22, A63B23