Body tether apparatus

Abstract

An exercise device consisting of a housing having a rope extending therethrough and wherein the rope is wound about a spool mounted on a driveshaft driven in a forward direction by a motor. The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction and freely rotating on the driveshaft in the reverse direction. A distance sensor provides feedback upon the rope spooling out a certain distance. A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the reverse direction and rewind the rope.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a flexible element having a user engageable end;   a motor;   a flexible element spool mounted on a motor driven driveshaft for rotation of said spool in a first direction;   said spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging said driveshaft in said first direction;   a recoiler coupled to said spool for rotation of said spool in a second direction; and   a flexible element distance sensor coupled to said motor for braking said motor upon measurement of a first distance threshold.   
     
     
         2 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a flexible element having a user engageable end;   a motor;   a flexible element spool mounted on a motor driven driveshaft for rotation of said spool in a first direction;   said spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging said driveshaft in said first direction;   a recoiler coupled to said spool for rotation of said spool in a second direction; and   a flexible element distance sensor coupled to an audible alarm.   
     
     
         3 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a flexible element having a user engageable end;   a motor;   a flexible element spool mounted on a motor driven driveshaft for rotation of said spool in a first direction;   said spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging said driveshaft in said first direction;   a recoiler coupled to said spool for rotation of said spool in a second direction; and   a flexible element distance sensor coupled to a tactile feedback.