Variable-resistance exercise device

Abstract

A portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on the cable.

1 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device comprised of:
 a retractable cable connected to a spring assembly, the spring assembly having a plurality of springs that are selectively connectable to each other to vary the resistance exerted on the cable.   
     
     
         2 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said retractable cable is wound onto a rotatable spool. 
     
     
         3 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said spool is connected to said plurality of springs. 
     
     
         4 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 3 , wherein each of said plurality of springs is a coiled spring having an inner end connected to said spool to be rotatable therewith. 
     
     
         5 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 4 , further comprising a device selectively connectable to the outer end of each of said plurality of springs. 
     
     
         6 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a housing containing said spring assembly and rotatable spool, said retractable cable being attached to said spool and being wound onto and unwound from said spool based on rotation of said spool. 
     
     
         7 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 6 , further comprising a mounting bracket for attaching said exercise device to an external support. 
     
     
         8 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 8 , further comprising sensors associated with said spool and said cable for monitoring movement of said spool and said cable. 
     
     
         9 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 8 , further comprising a controller within said housing connected to said sensor. 
     
     
         10 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising sensing means for sensing the resistance exerted on said cable, said sensing means connected to said controller. 
     
     
         11 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 10 , further comprising memory means for storing information sensed by said sensors. 
     
     
         12 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 11 , further comprising a power supply within said housing for providing power to said controller, memory means and said sensors. 
     
     
         13 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said power supply is rechargeable. 
     
     
         14 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 12 , wherein said housing includes a communications interface port. 
     
     
         15 . A portable, variable-resistance exercise device as defined in  claim 12 , further comprising a display panel for displaying information from said controller, and input means for controlling the operation of said controller and inputting information into said controller.