Resistance band apparatus, method, and system
A system for selectively adjusting the fixed length of a single, retractable elastic body. The system enables control of the resistivity of the elastic body as well as a definitive determination of a level of force exerted against the single elastic body. The determined level of force is represented on an interface device embodied in a housing for the elastic body. The data associated with the determined level of force can be wirelessly communicated to other users' interface devices or smart devices for facilitating healthy competition between users.
1. A system for selectively establishing a fixed length of an elastic body, the system comprising:
a retracting mechanism configured to establish the fixed length relative to a housing;
the housing retaining a proximal end of the elastic body, wherein the elastic body is movable between a retracted position and one of a plurality of successively extended positions further protruding from the housing, wherein the housing provides a locking mechanism for selectively engaging each of the extended positions, whereby the fixed length is established;
a user interface;
one or more processors;
a non-transitory computer-readable memory coupled to the one or more processors and the user interface and storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, causing the system to:
receive exercise data for the elastic body, including information indicative of a level of force exerted against the elastic body; and
present one or more force determinations, based on the information indicative of a level of force, on the user interface; and
one or more force sensors operatively associated with the elastic body, wherein the one or more force sensor collects the information indicative of a level of force, wherein the one or more force sensors includes a torque sensor,
wherein the retracting mechanism comprises one or more ratchet portions configured to coil and recoil the elastic body about a spool to which the torque sensor is coupled.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more force sensors includes a strain gauge.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a communication module for exporting each force determination.
4. The system of claim 3 , for each force determination, receive exercise data associated with the elastic body.
5. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a timer operatively associated with the elastic band for collecting data of the exercise data as a function of time.
6. The system of claim 4 , further comprising a bar grip perpendicularly extending from a center of the housing.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more ratchet portions operatively associate with a recoil spring and the spool to rotatably extend and retract the elastic body about the spool.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein one of the one or more ratchet portions has ratchet teeth to controllably engage a spring biasing the locking mechanism.
9. A method for communicating between a plurality of users of resistance bands, the method comprising:
providing the system of claim 5 to each user, wherein each force determination and exercise data is shared between the other users by way of each user interface, respectively.
10. The method of 9 , further comprising representing the exercise data as a function of time on the user interface.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the exercise data as a function of time includes a count of repetitions of each force determination.