Tension Systems and Methods of Use

Abstract

Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user's progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts. Other embodiments allow adjustment to the starting point of the lifting bar so that such machines may be used for bench presses, squats, cleans or curls.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cable tension system comprising:
 a) a pivotally mounted lever mechanism having a moveable weight thereon;   b) a cable attached to a weight lifting bar;   c) a cable carriage moveably engaged with a cable carriage track said carriage having at least one pulley thereon through which said cable is routed;   d) a first motion imparting mechanism for moving said cable carriage with respect to a stationary pulley attached to said cable carriage track; and   e) at least one weight support for supporting said weight lifting bar, said at least one weight support moveably engaged with a vertical frame.   
     
     
         2 . The tension system of  claim 1 , wherein said first motion imparting mechanism comprises a first motor and a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with said cable carriage through a threaded bore in said carriage. 
     
     
         3 . The tension system of  claim 2 , further comprising an encoder in electronic communication with said processor and in mechanical communication with said first motion imparting mechanism for determining the position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley. 
     
     
         4 . The tension system of  claim 2 , further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said first motion imparting mechanism, and operable to adjust a position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley by activating said first motor. 
     
     
         5 . The tension system of  claim 1 , wherein said cable carriage comprises a first pulley and a second pulley, and said cable is sequentially routed over said first pulley, said stationary pulley, and said second pulley. 
     
     
         6 . The tension system of  claim 5 , wherein said cable carriage is operable to adjust slack in said cable by moving along said cable carriage track. 
     
     
         7 . The tension system of  claim 1 , wherein said vertical frame has at least one track therein and said at least one weight support is moveably engaged with said track. 
     
     
         8 . The tension system of  claim 7 , further comprising a belt or chain running along said at least one track, wherein said at least one weight support is engaged with said belt or chain. 
     
     
         9 . The tension system of  claim 8 , further comprising a second motion imparting mechanism for moving said at least one weight support with respect to said at least one track. 
     
     
         10 . The tension system of  claim 9 , wherein said second motion imparting mechanism comprises at least one sprocket or gear engaged with said belt or chain, and a sprocket axle engaged with said at least one sprocket or gear. 
     
     
         11 . The tension system of  claim 10 , wherein said second motion imparting mechanism further comprises a weight rack motor engaged with said sprocket axle and operable to rotate said sprocket axle in both rotational directions. 
     
     
         12 . The tension system of  claim 11 , further comprising an encoder in mechanical communication with said sprocket axle or said at least one weight support for determining a vertical position of said at least one weight support relative to said at least one track. 
     
     
         13 . The tension system of  claim 12 , further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said weight rack motor and said encoder, said processor operable to monitor and adjust the vertical position of said at least one weight support. 
     
     
         14 . The tension system of  claim 9 , further comprising a processor in electronic communication with said second motion imparting mechanism, said processor operable to monitor and adjust the vertical position of said at least one weight support. 
     
     
         15 . The tension system of  claim 14 , wherein said processor is in electronic communication with said first motion imparting mechanism, and is operable to adjust a position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley. 
     
     
         16 . The tension system of  claim 15 , further comprising a data port in communication with said processor for receiving or transmitting user data, wherein said user data comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a user identifier, user body measurements, and workout parameters. 
     
     
         17 . The tension system of  claim 16 , further comprising computer executable instructions adapted to cause said processor to change positions of said cable carriage and said at least one weight support. 
     
     
         18 . The tension system of  claim 17 , wherein said computer executable instructions coordinate the positions of said cable carriage and said at least one weight support such that a predetermined minimum amount of tension is maintained in said cable. 
     
     
         19 . The tension system of  claim 15 , further comprising a third motion imparting mechanism for moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism. 
     
     
         20 . The tension system of  claim 19 , wherein said processor is in electronic communication with said third motion imparting mechanism, and is operable to adjust a position of said weight relative to said lever mechanism. 
     
     
         21 . The tension system of  claim 20 , further comprising a first encoder in electronic communication with said processor for determining the position of said cable carriage relative to said stationary pulley, a second encoder in electronic communication with said processor for determining the vertical position of said at least one weight support, and a third encoder for determining a position of said weight relative to said lever mechanism. 
     
     
         22 . The tension system of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one safety mechanism for releasing tension in said cable by disengaging said first motor from said rotatable threaded screw. 
     
     
         23 . The tension system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third motion imparting mechanism for moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism. 
     
     
         24 . A method of adjusting a height of a lifting bar in a weight lifting apparatus comprising the steps of:
 coupling opposite ends of said lifting bar to a cable;   routing said cable around a stationary pulley and through a pulley on a cable carriage moveably installed on a track mounted on said weight lifting apparatus; and   moving said cable carriage along said track relative to said stationary pulley to adjust slack in said cable.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein moving said cable carriage comprises rotating a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with said cable carriage through a threaded bore in said carriage, wherein rotating said screw in a first rotational direction moves the cable carriage toward said stationary pulley and rotating said screw in a second rotational direction moves the cable carriage away from said stationary pulley. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein moving said cable carriage toward said stationary pulley decreases a distance between said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, shortens a section of said cable engaged with said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, and increases slack in said cable. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein moving said cable carriage away from said stationary pulley increases a distance between said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, lengthens a section of said cable engaged with said cable carriage and said stationary pulley, and decreases slack in said cable. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising adjusting a height of at least one weight support on which said lifting bar rests. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein moving said cable carriage and adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are performed simultaneously. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein a predetermined minimum tension is maintained in said cable during the said simultaneous movement of said cable carriage and said adjustment of the height of said at least one weight support. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said moving said cable carriage and said adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are controlled by a processor in electronic communication with first motion imparting mechanism engaged with said cable carriage and a second motion imparting mechanism engaged with said at least one weight support. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said processor instructs said first and second motion imparting mechanisms to adjust said cable carriage and said at least one weight support to new positions based on user data, wherein said user data comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a user identifier, user body measurements, and workout parameters. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein moving said cable carriage and said adjusting a height of said at least one weight support are performed simultaneously. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 24  comprising the additional steps of:
 providing a movable weight on said pivoting weight lever mechanism, and 
 moving said weight with respect to said lever mechanism to change tension on said cable. 
 
     
     
         35 . A variable tension weight lifting system comprising:
 a) a pivotally mounted lever mechanism;   b) a weight carriage moveably engaged with said lever mechanism in a first track on said lever mechanism;   c) a first motion imparting mechanism engaged with said weight carriage, said first motion imparting mechanism operable to move said weight carriage along said first track relative to said lever mechanism;   d) a cable carriage moveably engaged with a cable carriage track;   e) a second motion imparting mechanism engaged with said cable carriage, said first motion imparting mechanism comprising a rotatable threaded screw operatively engaged with a rotor of a motor and received within a threaded bore in said cable carriage, said second motion imparting operable to move said cable carriage along said cable carriage track;   f) a cable attached to a weight bar and routed through said cable carriage, wherein said cable carriage is operable to adjust slack in said cable;   g) a weight rack system having at least one weight bar support;   h) a third motion imparting mechanism engaged with said at least one weight bar support, said third motion imparting mechanism operable to adjust a vertical position of said at least one weight bar rack; and   i) a processor in communication with said first, second, and third motion imparting mechanisms, said processor operable to control said movement of said weight carriage along said first track, said movement of said cable carriage along said cable carriage track, and said adjustment of the vertical position of said at least one weight support.