Exercise devices

Abstract

An adjustable load mechanism for an exercise device, the adjustable load mechanism including: at least one load point for application of force by a user, and a first load source comprising a tension assembly including an elastic portion, wherein the tension assembly is connected directly or indirectly to the at least one load point, and whereby a force applied to the at least one load point is transferred along an effective path through the tension assembly, and an adjusting mechanism operable to adjust the tension of the tension assembly, so as to vary the load required on the at least one load point, wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable whilst a load is applied to the tension assembly.

1 . An adjustable load mechanism for an exercise device, the adjustable load mechanism including:
 at least one load point for application of force by a user, and   a first load source comprising a tension assembly including an elastic portion, wherein the tension assembly is connected directly or indirectly to the at least one load point, and whereby a force applied to the at least one load point is transferred along an effective path through the tension assembly, and   an adjusting mechanism operable to adjust the tension of the tension assembly, so as to vary the load required on the at least one load point, wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable whilst a load is applied to the tension assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable to adjust the length of the effective path. 
     
     
         3 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable to adjust the position of the effective path. 
     
     
         4 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable to stretch the elastic portion of the tension assembly along the effective path. 
     
     
         5 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism is operable to cause less than the full length of the tension assembly to extend along the effective path. 
     
     
         6 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a winding member about which a portion of the tension assembly is wound. 
     
     
         7 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 6  wherein the winding member is a drum, spool, pulley or capstan. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the adjusting mechanism includes an engaging member that engages the tension assembly intermediate its ends, the engaging member being movable to adjust the effective path. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 8  wherein the engaging member is a pulley, roller or rod. 
     
     
         10 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 8  wherein the engaging member clamps the tension assembly intermediate its ends. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  wherein the tension assembly includes an inelastic portion connected in series with the elastic portion. 
     
     
         12 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  further including a second load source. 
     
     
         13 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 12  wherein the first load source and the second load source are connected in series. 
     
     
         14 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 12  wherein the first load source and the second load source are connected in parallel. 
     
     
         15 . The adjustable load mechanism of any one of  claims 12  wherein the second load source is a weight assembly connected directly or indirectly to the at least one load point and constrained to move at least partially vertically, whereby application of force by a user to the at least one load point moves the weight assembly vertically against gravity. 
     
     
         16 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1  comprising a tension indicator for indicating the tension in the tension assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 16  wherein the tension indicator comprises a strain gauge and/or an electrical transducer. 
     
     
         18 . The adjustable load mechanism of  claim 16  wherein the tension indicator comprises a plurality of marks or indicators on the tension assembly. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise device including the adjustable load mechanism of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         20 - 49 . (canceled)