EXERCISING DEVICE

Abstract

An exercising device (1) and method comprising at least one winch (20), a motor (30) being adapted to drive and/or retard the winch (20), the winch (20) being adapted to provide a first torque to be delivered to a user interface (60) and a biasing assembly (40) being adapted to provide a second torque to the winch (20) being directed generally opposite to the first torque.

Description

FIELD

The present invention is related to an exercising device and a method for exercising, particularly for fitness training or rehab purposes.

BACKGROUND

A large number of exercising devices are in use. Fitness studios tend to install various apparatuses to allow the user to activate a variety of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and/or joints, specifically synovial joints.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,082,267 A suggests an exerciser where a rope is wound up on a spool. A proportioned resistance allows two limbs synchronously or separately be activated with a single resistance mechanism. Two limb-engageable drive input devices are connected through one-way clutches to a single rotary shaft, which is, in turn, drivingly connected to the proportioned isokinetic resistance-producing mechanism.

EP 1803489 B1 introduces an apparatus directed to practice with a cable-pull arrangement with two gripping possibilities or engagement means for the user by which a pulling power, applied either with one or both arms or legs, is transmissible to the motor shaft of the motor, and wherein there is provided at least one endless element.

US 2016 0250514 A1 is a weight resistance exercise machine having cable and pulley linkage assemblies attached to a single weight stack. Each cable and pulley linkage assembly, which is independent of the other(s), can be used by one arm or leg during bilateral exercise training. A tilt platform and biofeedback assembly display and measure in real-time how much each limb of a pair is contributing to such lifting effort.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,453 B2 introduces an exercise device includes a frame having a cable and pulley system connected thereto. The cable and pulley system includes at least one pulley and at least one cable strand. The at least one cable strand has a handle connected thereto for use in performing exercises. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the at least one pulley in order to vibrate the at least one cable strand. The vibrations from the vibration assemblies are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,775,936 B2 discloses an exercise apparatus comprising a lower body exercise machine, at least one upper body exercise module positioned for engagement by a user of the machine, each module adapted to provide resistance to the user's full natural arm swing. Each module comprises an elongated connector, a user engagement connected to one end of the elongated connector for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a user, and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force applied to the end of the elongated connector. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for adjusting the incline of the user platform of the lower body exercise machine and/or a mechanism for adjusting an attached railing between a close position suitable for gripping by the user and a far position sufficiently distant from the close position to prevent interference with the full natural arm swing of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,480,878 B2 explains an apparatus for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,329 B2 offers a variation for embodiments of an exercise apparatus. In certain embodiments, an exercise apparatus comprises an exercise station coupled to a resistance system, the exercise station comprising a frame, an arm assembly, and a seat assembly comprising a seat, the seat having a first position and a second position and configured to move between the first and second positions, wherein the first position accommodates use of the exercise apparatus by a user sitting on the seat and wherein the second position accommodates use of the exercise apparatus by a user sitting in a wheelchair. In some embodiments, the seat assembly may comprise a biasing element which allows users to move the seat from the first position to the second position without needing to lift the seat.

CN 104027930 A represents a very simple solution to include exercise arm part and leg part exercise, and seat, arm exercise part of a folding apparatus, a seat and leg exercise part of a folding components are a select folding, occupied area is only the bottom section of support frame so as to reduce the effect of small floor space, equipment top part of arm exercise position of pulley fixing piece has a function, through the pulley fixing part of rotating a finish for exercise of arm and waist part, is located at the bottom of the leg part exercise a bound on the ankle, through pulling a weight stack of exercise for a leg.

CN 202179814 U offers a utility model. A deformable cabinet type comprehensive fitness equipment is characterized in that a support at the upper part of the fitness equipment is lifted in a sliding manner along with a rectangular sliding chute in a frame inside the fitness equipment so that the height of the fitness equipment is increased; after an embedded flat stool is unfolded, and a cabinet door at the lower part of the fitness equipment is opened, the fitness equipment deforms to form resistance type comprehensive fitness equipment; two groups of weight stacks in the fitness equipment are respectively pulled by three grips through three sets of built-in pulley blocks; a groove is arranged at each of the two sides of each weight stack, and the weight stacks take convex steel bars in the frame as rails to perform up-and-down rail-changing sliding; and the convex steel bars are parallel to one another, and the joint parts are thinner so as to ensure that the weight stacks can easily slide through during the rail-changing sliding.

EP 2095849 B1 An exercise machine for developing motor abilities and muscular strength, of the type comprising at least one supporting frame, at least one flexible cable wound on a plurality of pulleys rotatably supported by the frame and connected to at least one resistant load, at least one grip element connected to the cable and designed to be operated by a user in order to perform an exercise, the machine being characterized in that it comprises at least one return device, to which the ends of the cable are connected, said return device designed to return the cable to the initial configuration after an exercise has been performed.

All of the above mentioned publications are herewith incorporated by reference.

The prior devices according to the above disclosures mostly rely on a weight stack which means that these machines are heavy and also need to be reconfigured each time another individual is going to use the exercising machine. In addition, the idea behind the implication of a weight stack limits the adjustment to a number of reasonably large steps rather than offering an at least fine adjustable counterforce to the users' attempts. Further, an automated registration of the users' activities can be complex.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a new and/or alternate exercising device and/or method to allow a user to exercise muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and/or joints, specifically synovial joints. It's intended to replace the weight stacks needed in wire based exercising devices in a large number of physical trainings devices used in fitness centers and in private environment. Further, a method and device is introduced that allows exercising machines to be constructed much lighter in weight and also offers a wider range of application and design.

This object is attained with the subject matter according to the respective claims.

The disclosed exercising device can comprise at least one winch, a motor being adapted to drive and/or retard the winch. The winch can be adapted to provide a first torque to be delivered to a user interface and further a biasing assembly.

The biasing assembly can be adapted to provide a first and second torque to the winch being directed generally opposite to the first torque. However, the second torque can be directed in the same orientation for particular arrangements.

The first torque can be transferred to the winch by a first transmission element. The first transmission element can further be identical with the second transmission element thus forming a transmission device.

In an embodiment the biasing assembly may provide a biasing force, originating from at least one of a counterweight, a spring force, a motor force, a magnetic force, a pneumatic force and/or a hydraulic force.

The biasing assembly can comprise a second transmission element connected to a weight converting a force to the second torque, the force preferably being the gravitational force. It should however be noted that other forces can be applied, such as a spring and/or motor force, an electrostatic and/or a magnetic force, a pneumatic and/or a hydraulic force. The force can further be provided indirectly, for instance via a pulley arrangement, a lever arrangement and/or a combination thereof.

The first transmission element and/or the second transmission element can be wound round the winch in an opposing orientation. A further embodiment can comprise a double helix groove on the winch winding any transmission element parallel.

The first transmission element and/or the second transmission element can end up at the opposing ends of the winch with a frictional and/or positive locking.

The end of the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element (50b ) can be constructed as at least one clamp.

The winch assembly can comprise a surface providing a friction to the transmission element.

Preferably a groove can be implied to ensure that the transmission element can wind up properly without forming double layers or leaving gaps.

The transmission elements can be connected and thus form one transmission device.

The end of the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element can be secured to the winch.

The transmission device can be a rope, a cable, a chain, a wire, or a combination thereof and/or something similar wherein the rope, the cable, the chain and/or the wire may be wound around the winch to form a loop or a part thereof. An embodiment having a chain as a transmission device is described below. Further preferable transmission elements and methods are described below.

Further, any transmission element and/transmission device can be formed as a chain of a range of technically applicable makes, such as roller chains, sleeve chains.

The user interface is any engagement device adapted to interact with a user conducting physical exercises. Such engagement devices can be grip-handles, levers and/or pedals.

The transmission device or the first and/or the second transmission element may form at least a quarter loop, preferably at least a half loop, preferably at least 1 loop, more preferably at least 1.5 loops, more preferably at least 2 loops, more preferably at least 2.5 loops, more preferably at least 3 loops, most preferably at least 3.5 loops and/or form at most 8.5 loops, preferably at most 8 loops, preferably at most 7.5 loops, more preferably at most 7 loops, more preferably at most 6.5 loops, even more preferably at most 6 loops, even more preferably at most 5.5 loops, further more preferably at most 5 loops, further more preferably at most 4.5 loops, most preferably at most 4 loops. A fraction of one loop can be adapted, further a fraction of more than one loop can be applied, which may be applicable if the elements of the exercising device are positioned in an angled arrangement.

The transmission device or the first and/or the second transmission element can have a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, most preferably at least 4 mm and/or has at most 16 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, even more preferably at most 6 mm, further more preferably at most 5 mm, even more preferably at most 4 mm, most preferably at most 3 mm. Double or n-tuple threads can be arranged to form the transmission device and/or element.

Further embodiments can comprise (an) alternative transmission element(s), such as one or a combination of toothed belt(s), V-belt(s) and/or transmission belt(s) of any make. Further embodiments can comprise cardan shaft(s), fixed and/or flexible shaft(s) and/or magnetic coupling(s). Also an embodiment can comprise hydraulic transmission and/or the property of rotational movement can be conveyed by analogue or digital transmission to the destination.

Rolls can be mounted substantially parallel to the winch and can be provided to hold the transmission element in place at or on the surface of the winch.

The winch can comprise a helical groove having a depth of at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% and/or preferably less than 60%, more preferably less than 50%, most preferably less than 45% of the diameter of the transmission device.

At least one sidewall to the helical groove is formed radially outwardly by at least 3°, preferably at least 4°, most preferably at least 5° to a line or plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the winch. This is to prevent the wire from chafing at the sidewall of the groove.

The first torque applied by the user may find its way via the transmission device to the winch. The second torque can result from the counterweight and/or a spring force or any other second torque and applies to a resulting torque to the winch. The resulting value of the torque may have an absolute value of less than 50 Nm, preferably less than 30 Nm, even more preferably less than 10 Nm.

The motor can be adapted to apply a further torque to the winch. The winch either resists or supports the torque at any given moment, which in turn either applies a further counterforce to the user interface or supports the user interface to reduce the effort made by the exercising individual.

A variety of sensors may be applied, where their read-out values can be fed into a control device adapted to control the at least one motor, a gear, a clutch, a break and/or a blocking bolt. Such sensors may at least one of an angle sensor, a shaft encoder, a tension sensor, a speed sensor and/or optical, acoustical detectors. An emergency shutdown device may be applied as well.

The static friction allows the motor driven winch to apply a force to the user via the transmission device. This force can be either an additional resistance to the user, or in case the user is not entitled to activate the muscles, this force can also be supportive. The coefficient μ between the transmission device and the surface of the winch is at least μ=0.02, preferably at least μ=0.04, preferably at least μ=0.06, more preferably at least μ=0.08, more preferably more than μ=0.1 even more preferably more than μ=0.2 and/or at most μ=1.0, preferably at most μ=0.8, more preferably at most μ=0.6, more preferably at most μ=0.4, most preferably at most μ=0.1.

The transmission device has a roughness value of at least Rz=5z, preferably at least Rz=6, preferably at least Rz=12 and/or less than Rz=50, more preferably less than Rz=30, most preferably less than Rz=20.

The transmission element can withstand a breaking load of at least 2 kN, wherein the elongation, i.e. the stretch of the transmission element can obey to be less than 5% at 10% of the breaking load, preferably less than 2% at 10% of the breaking load, most preferable less than 1% at 10% of the breaking load.

The exercising device can comprise a control provision to control the motor, a clutch, a break, a blocking bolt and/or a gear. It can be desired to support a user and/or retard the speed of the motion of the transmission element and thus forcing the user to afford a higher amount of force to carry out the exercise. An angle sensor and/or a shaft encoder may be mounted to the winch to determine the rotational position of the winch and the speed of rotation. The at least one read-out value can be fed into a control, either a forward control or a closed loop control. This control can further send a signal to a brake and/or a blocking bolt.

A brake can be applied. Such a brake can be adapted to act as a safety provision in case of power or other failure. In normal operation a brake can ensure the wire system to remain in a defined status. A brake can further act in dependency of a translational sensor that narrows the tolerance of relative movements.

The transmission device may comprise at least one end stop wherein the at least one end stop can be adapted to be displaceable.

The transmission device can be held in place by rolls to prevent the transmission device from escaping from the groove and are preferably mounted essentially parallel to the winch.

The at least one guide rail and/or guide rope preferably can have an end stop mounted to at least one end. In normal operation it should not occur that the sled touches a stop. However, in case it does, this fact can be reported to the control. The upper and/or lower end stops can be configured to inhibit further movement of a sled or the eyelet under certain operational conditions.

The at least one sled is connected to the transmission device and/or to the user interface and is guided by bearings in guide rails.

To reduce the applied force and/or to reduce the travelling path of one of the sleds a pulley arrangement can be provided.

A wheel hub motor can be integrated into the body of the winch to further reduce constructional efforts.

A chain acting as the transmission element and/or device can be preferred under certain conditions. This requires a different embodiment of the winch, as pointed out in the appropriate figure description.

Also disclosed is a method of exercising using particularly an exercising device comprising the steps of providing at least one winch, providing a motor being adapted to drive and/or retard the winch, providing a first torque to be delivered to a user interface by the winch and/or providing by a biasing assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified aspect of the exercising device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the inventive aspect in more details;

FIG. 3 depicts a winch with rolls;

FIG. 4a, b and c depict some examples of the surface structure of the winch according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment according to the present invention where a chain is used as transmission element;

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment according to the present invention where the transmission elements are separated and secured to the winch;

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment according to the present invention where a spring acts as a counterforce acting via a pulley arrangement;

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment with separate transmission elements.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, referring to the figures. These examples are provided to provide further understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

In the following description, a series of features and/or steps are described. The skilled person will appreciate that unless required by the context, the order of features and steps is not critical for the resulting configuration and its effect. Further, it will be apparent to the skilled person that irrespective of the order of features and steps, the presence or absence of time delay between steps, can be present between some or all of the described steps. Any features described and claimed in connection with the device claims are also applicable to the method claims and to be understood as respective method steps and vice versa.

The term “and/or” intends to embrace each alternative alone or any kind of combination of the alternatives listed. An “and/or” before the last member of a list of alternatives is to be understood to as being in-between each of the members of the list.

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Throughout the description and claims, the terms “comprise”, “including”, “having”, and “contain” and their variations should be understood as meaning “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to exclude other components.

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., “about 3” shall also cover exactly 3 or “substantially constant” shall also cover exactly constant).

The term “at least one” should be understood as meaning “one or more”, and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with “at least one” have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as “the” and “the at least one”.

It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose can replace features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Use of exemplary language, such as “for instance”, “such as”, “for example” and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so claimed. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

All of the features and/or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination.

The same reference numerals used for different embodiments are intended to identify parts or features of different embodiments with the same or similar function. In case the same reference numerals are not identified in other embodiments, this is by no means intended to mean that the corresponding features designated by these reference numerals are not present.

A winch can comprise a cylinder, an hourglass shape, a roller, a roll, a drum and/or barrel rotated by a motor, onto which a cable, a rope, a wire or a chain can wind. Further, a lever can be applied.

A helix is the curve formed by a straight line drawn on a plane when that plane is wrapped around a cylindrical surface of any kind, especially a right circular cylinder, as the curve of a screw.

The expression “exercising” shall comprise all physical activities carried out by a human or any warm blooded creature.

The preferred number of windings of a wire around the spool is determined by an exponential function S₂=S₁ e^(μ₁^β), where S2 is the desired force, Si is the force applied by the weight. μ₁ is the frictional factor of a wire. Angle β is the arc the wire touches the spool.

The expression “loop” is used synonymously with “winding” in the singular as well as in the plural form. One loop is assumed to be one circumference round the winch.

The unit of measurement Rz is the roughness value of the surface of the winch in relation to the wire.

The transmission device can be any of at least one transmission element or any combination of transmission elements with an at least one transmission device.

The factor μ and/or μ₁ in this document is the static friction coefficient in contrary to a dynamic friction coefficient.

The word wire or thread shall comprise any transmission element adapted to transfer a force from a location where the force is applied to a location where the force effects as described. Thus, this expression comprises hydraulic transmission devices, tooth belts or any other appropriate devices.

The expression “transmission element” and “transmission device” shall be understood interchangeably. Where “transmission element” is used, this specific part of the transmission device is addressed. Where “transmission device” is used, it shall comprise the transmission elements as a whole. The transmission elements can in certain embodiments be connected to each other and thus form a transmission device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an exercising device 1. The exercising device 1 shown is a structure with beams or columns but can also have any other structure. The winch 20 shows a helix surface with grooves 22 guiding a thread 50a, 50b. Threads 50a and 50b can be formed as a single thread and then be addressed as transmission device 50. The transmission elements 50a and 50b leave the helix winch at angles of α_l or α₂ respectively. The threads reach up to wheels 81 or 86 respectively. These wheels 81 and 86 redirect the threads. Wheel 81 ends at a sled 62 and/or an eyelet 62 guided by a rail 80 or a rope 80 respectively. An exercising user (not shown) uses a device to interact with the exercising device, in this embodiment by pulling the handle. Pulling the user interface causes a force F on the sled 62, which in turn transfers the force F via the thread 50a to the winch 20 as a first torque.

At the top and at the bottom of the rail 80 end stops 82 are depicted to prevent the sled 62 or eyelet 62 from extended paths beyond the extension of the rail 80 or the rope 80.

On the other side of the embodiment, thread 50b runs to the wheel 86. Wheel 86 redirects the force G, in this embodiment represented by the gravitational force. Counterweight 40 pulls the thread 50b down; wheel 86 redirects this force as a second torque to the winch 20. The sled 42 and the counterweight 40 can be integral parts, although it should be understood that alternative embodiments can supply a comparable effect.

At the top and at the bottom of the rail 85 end stops 87 are depicted to prevent the sled 40 or eyelet 40 from extended paths beyond the extension of the rail 85 or the rope 85.

The winch 20 is carried out as a single groove 22 winch guiding the thread 50a, 50b, here forming the transmission device (also addressed as thread) 50, several windings around the winch 20. The friction between the surface of the winch 20 with the thread 50, biased by the gravitational force G on the one side and the user initiated force F, results in a resultant torque to the winch. To prevent the thread 50 to escape from the grooves 22 of the winch 20 rollers 24 are added. The rollers 22 prevent the thread to move off the grooves 22 and thus force the thread to remain in firm contact to the surface of the groove 22. Several embodiments of the surface are described in FIG. 4.

The winch 20 is connected to a motor 30 via a clutch 31. The clutch 31 is configured to prevent extended forces the motor 30 could apply in case of a failure, or vice versa and prevent the motor 30 to be damaged by misuse by an exercising person. The clutch 31 can be replaced by provisions made in the control unit 90 and/or by the dimensioning of the motor 30 or by providing other force limiting means. Further, the clutch 31 can be omitted in case the axis or shaft of the motor 30 is partially enlarged to act as a winch 20.

The motor 30 receives control signals from the control unit 90. In turn, the resulting torque applied to the winch by the exercising user (force F) and the gravitational force G gives information about this resulting torque to the control unit 90. Further sensors can be applied, here exemplified as an angle sensor 92. This angle sensor 92 feeds its readout about the number of rotations of the winch 20, the exact position of the transmission device 50, 50a, 50b on the winch as a numerical value into the control 90.

Further, a gear (not depicted) can be added between the motor 30 and the winch 30. In this case, the angle sensor 92 can be placed anywhere either at the motor 30, at either side of the gear or at the winch.

The motor and the winch can be integrated and thus form a wheel hub motor 30.

There are two columns but there are ways to realize the present invention without any column or with 1 or more columns. The embodiment shows an exercising device 1 for a user to pull a user interface 60. The user interface 60 is shown hanging from a left column but can also be arranged at any other location, such at the bottom of a supporting structure.

The user (not shown) can pull at the user interface 60 which can be connected to a first sled or eyelet 62. The user interface in this embodiment can be a handle, a rod, a bar or any gear adapted to allow a user to apply force to the exercising device by any of his or her extremities or other body parts.

The guiding rails 80, 85 can be an integral or added part of a frame or a skeleton for the exercising device shown. A winch 20 can be located between these two guide rails 80, 85 forming a base for the bearing of the winch 20. In a further embodiment the winch can be located at any appropriate position.

This sled or eyelet 62 riding on a guiding rail 80 transfers the force applied by a user via a transmission element 50a, here represented by a wire to a winch 20. The winch 20 is depicted as a drum with a helical groove 22. It can also have other shapes. The transmission element 50 converts the force F into a first torque to the winch 20.

Transmission element 50a is guided over a wheel 81 to ensure a substantially acute angle al between the transmission element and a perpendicular plane to the axis or axle of the winch 20 where the transmission element 50a meets the surface of the winch 20.

The winch 20 can have various shapes such as a barrel and/or an hourglass. In addition, a surface of the winch 20 can be roughened to increase the friction between the surface of the winch 20 and the transmission element 50, 50a, 50b. The shown embodiment comprises a groove 22 in a helical winding around or within the surface of the winch 20.

The transmission element 50 is wound at least a quarter of the circumference of the winch 20 around the winch 20. In the embodiment shown it is wound with two windings or loops around the winch 20. The transmission element 50b continues then to a second sled or eyelet 42 which is riding on a guiding rail 85 to a biasing element 40. The transmission element 50b is oriented to a perpendicular plane to the axle or axis of the winch 20 with an angle α₂.

In this embodiment the biasing element 40 is a weight. A gravitational force G applies and is converted via the transmission element 50b and the wheel 86 to a second torque to the winch 20 which is counter-wise oriented to the first torque, at least in the embodiment shown. Limiting elements 82 and 87 prevent the sleds 62 or 42 from escaping from the guiding rails 80, 85. These limiting elements 82 and 87 can be adapted to signal an event and/or position of any element to the control device 90.

An angle sensor and/or a shaft encoder 92 can provide a signal to the control device 90 about the position and/or rotations carried out by the winch 20. A motor 30 may support and/or retard the force applied by the user dependent from the requirements of the force applied by the gravitational force G in this embodiment. A clutch 31 between the motor 30 and the winch 20 can be provided for safety reasons and may be controlled to prevent any unintended actions, preferably by control 90. Gravitational force G can be replaced or added by any form of force, comprising spring force, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically implied force.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed aspect of the one side of the exercising device 1, here the side, where the user (not depicted) communicates with the exercising device 1, here represented as a handle or more generally as a user interface 60. The thread 50a coming from the winch 20 via the wheel 81 is again wound around a further wheel, thus forming a pulley arrangement 62. As known by the person skilled, a pulley 62 can be provided to adjust forces to dimensions required by the backing technology and/or by the exercising user. Whereas a user may require extended forces F₁ to apply to strengthen his muscles, older persons for instance might just want to be mobilized and therefore afford a much less force F₂. The rail 80 may be formed as a real, solid rail 80. However, rail in this invention is intended to be any supportive structure where a sled, an eyelet or a similar element are guided on a defined path. This could further be a rope, a linear ball bearing or any other structure.

In this embodiment, the thread 50a is wound round the winch 20 several times and leaves the winch as thread 50b to the counterforce provisions. The motor 30 detects and applies a resulting force to the winch 20.

A user interface 60 is connected to a winch 20 via a pulley arrangement to reduce the way the sled 62 has to travel. Any further gearing by further rollers may be also provided. The intention to comprise a pulley arrangement can comprise the need to reduce the way of the sled 62 and/or the sled 42 and/or reduce the force to be applied by the user and/or by the counterforce.

FIG. 3 shows the winch 20 to comprise a groove 22 with two rollers 24 at the sides of the winch. These rollers prevent the thread or wire 50 from escaping from the surface of the winch 20. They can be arranged in contact or close to the wire as long as they prevent the wire from escaping the winch 20.

FIG. 4 shows that the groove 22 may have various surface shapes. As an aside, it can have different orientations. FIG. 4a represents a sinus curve or a modified sinus curve kind of shape of a groove 22. The transmission element 50, 50a, 50b usually rest at the deepest region of this groove 22 when fully engaging the winch 20. FIG. 4b shows a trapezoid shape of the groove 22. This embodiment shows the edges that are rounded to form a blunt surface. The angle a shall be within the limits set in the claims. FIG. 4c indicates a half-round groove 22 that is one preferred embodiment of the surface of the winch 20. FIG. 4d is one preferred embodiment and shows a rather flat sinus curve or a modified sinus curve surface for the groove 22.

FIG. 4e shows a rough surface.

FIG. 5 represents an embodiment of the winch 20 that is shaped if a chain is used as a transmission element 50, 50a, 50b. A horizontal chain link 29 rests in a recess 27. A gap 26 is provided in a barrier 25 limiting the recess to enable a vertical chain link 28 to rest therein. The following horizontal chain link 29 again finds place in a further recess 27. Any other make of chain can be applied with the corresponding winch structure. The winch 20 can be addressed as a “chain nut” or “chain sprocket” in this case. The skilled person will know that the chain and the corresponding sprocket need to be coordinated.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view on the winch 20 itself where the transmission device 50 is carried out as two separate threads, the transmission element 50a and the transmission element 50b. Each winch-side end of the thread is fixed to the winch at points 51a and 51b respectively. This fixation can advantageously be carried out in a removable manner to allow the threads to be replaced.

FIG. 7 features a further embodiment with two separate threads 50a and 50b, where the winch-side ends 51a and 51b are fixedly but removably secured to the winch 20. The wheel 86 is not just for the redirection of the thread 50b but also part of a pulley arrangement. The number of pulley wheels 180 can be configured to supply a reduction according to the preferred needs. Spring 190 applies a force G via the pulley arrangement to the winch 20, where it is transferred into a second torque. The first torque in this embodiment is transferred via wheel 81 and a pulley arrangement to the user interface 60 which in this embodiment is arranged to offer two handles to be gripped by the user. A certain minimum of windings of the thread 50a and 50b shall in usual conditions remain on the winch 20 to reduce extended tension to the ends 51a and 51b.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show an alternative embodiment with a winch 20 represented by a large wheel. The transmission element 50a is secured to the winch and is wound around the winch in a fraction of one or more loop(s). The thread then extends to the user interface 60 via any of the disclosed configurations. Typically, the user interface can be preceded by a pulley arrangement which can reduce the way for thread 50a to travel. In this embodiment, a second transmission element is not provided. Between the motor 30 and the winch 20 or the lever 20 a gear 32 can be applied which preferably can reduce the number of rotations provided by the motor 30 to the way of motion to be carried out by the winch 20 or the lever 20. The clutch 31 can provide protection as disclosed in the description of FIG. 1. A shaft decoder 93 and/or an angle sensor 93 can feed their read-out to the control 90.

The second force G is provided by a spring force or similar, directly or indirectly acting on the winch 20 and/or the lever 20. The spring 190 can further be arranged as a torsion spring or coil spring.

FIG. 9 shows the detail of the helix-winch 20 itself in an embodiment where two separate thread-shaped transmission elements 50a and 50b are secured at the helix-winch 20 in the points 51a (the second point is not visible). The surface 22 or gap 22 of the helix-winch 20 can in this embodiment only be seen as a short segment 22, because the rest of the surface 22 is covered by the transmission elements 50a and 50b. It should be observed that this surface 22, also to be addressed as a gap 22, moves either to the left or to the right depending from the rotating sense of the helix-winch 20.

Claims

1. An exercising device comprising:

a. a user interface;

b. a winch operable to generate a force at the user interface responsive to a first torque operating on the winch; and

c. a motor adapted to drive and/or retard the winch.

2. Exercising device according to claim 1, and comprising a biasing assembly coupled to the winch and operable to apply a biasing force to the winch that generates a second torque on the winch directed opposite to the first torque.

3. Exercising device according to claim 2 wherein the biasing force operates via a pulley arrangement or a lever arrangement to generate the second torque.

4. Exercising device according to claim 2 wherein the first torque is transferred to the winch by a first transmission element.

5. Exercising device according to claim 4 wherein the second torque and/or the biasing force is transferred to the winch by a second transmission element.

6. Exercising device according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element is/are wound round the winch in an opposing rotating sense.

7. Exercising device according to claim 6, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element end up at the opposing ends of the winch with a frictional and/or positive locking.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. Exercising device according to claim 6, wherein the end of the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element are secured to the winch.

11. Exercising device according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element are connected to form a transmission device, and wherein the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element comprises at least one or any combination of more than one of a rope, a cable and/or a wire, wherein the rope, the cable and/or the wire is wound around the winch to form at least one loop or a fraction of one or more loop(s).

12. Exercising device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is any engagement device adapted to interact with a user conducting physical exercises.

13. (canceled)

14. Exercising device according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission element or the second transmission element has a diameter of at least 1 mm, preferably approximately 3 to 4 mm

15. Exercising device according to claim 11 wherein the winch comprises a helical groove having a depth of at least about 20% and less than about 45% of the diameter of the transmission device.

16. Exercising device according to claim 15, wherein at least one sidewall to the helical groove is formed radially outwards by an angle greater than between about 3°, about 5° to a line perpendicular to the rotational axis of the winch.

17. Exercising device according to claim 2, wherein a resulting torque of the first torque and the second torque to the winch has an absolute value of less than 50 Nm, and preferably less than 30 Nm.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. Exercising device according to claim 11, wherein a breaking load of the transmission device is at least 2 kN.

21. Exercising device according to claim 11, wherein an elongation of the transmission device is less than between about % 1 and about 5% at 10% of the breaking load.

22. Exercising device according to claim wherein a controlling device controls a resulting torque of the first torque and the second torque of the winch to both support and/or retard a moment on the transmission device.

23. Exercising device according to claim 22, wherein an angle sensor or a shaft encoder is mounted to the winch, a gear and/or to the motor and is adapted to feed its read out into the controlling device.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. Exercising device according to claim 11, wherein a brake is adapted to keep the transmission element and/or the transmission device in a secure mode.

27. Exercising device according to claim 15, wherein the transmission device is held in place by rollers to prevent the transmission device from escaping from the groove.

28. Exercising device according to claim 5, wherein at least one pulley is connected to the first transmission element, and/or to the second transmission element and/or to the user interface and is guided by at least one sliding eyelet in guide ropes.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. Exercising device according to claim 5, wherein the first transmission element and/or the second transmission element is at least partly formed as a pulley arrangement.

32. A method for exercising, particularly with an exercising device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of

a. providing the winch;

b. providing the motor adapted to both drive and retard the winch;

c. providing the first torque to be delivered to the user interface by the winch;

d. providing the biasing assembly

wherein the biasing assembly provides the biasing force, originating from one or a combination of a counterweight, a spring force, a motor force, a magnetic force, a pneumatic force and a hydraulic force.