Patent ID: 6517468
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
An exercise device for generating a plurality of resistance curves comprising: a support frame, a first shaft rotatably supported on the support frame, a user interface member connected to the first shaft which, when displaced by a user, causes the first shaft to rotate more than 90 degrees, a second shaft rotatably supported on the support frame; a linkage mechanism causing a variable resistance force connecting the first shaft and the second shaft and controlling the relative rates of rotation of the first and second shafts, and a torque arm assembly including at least an upper torque arm and a lower torque arm connected to the second shaft at different predetermined angular positions, each torque arm including at least one weight support member thereon, the relative positions of the connections within the linkage mechanism being coordinated with the relative angular positions of each torque arm such that when the user interface member is displaced by the user:the aggregate effect of the linkage mechanism and a weight member on the upper torque arm causes: (i) a maximum torque to be applied to the first shaft at some point during the first 45 degrees of rotation of the first shaft; and (ii) a minimum torque to be applied to the first shaft at some point during the last 45 degrees of rotation of the first shaft; the aggregate effect of the linkage mechanism and a weight member on the lower torque arm causes: (i) a maximum torque to be applied to the first shaft at some point during the last 45 degrees of rotation of the first shaft; and (ii) a minimum torque to be applied to the first shaft at some point during the first 45 degrees of rotation of the first shaft; and wherein the resistance generated by the linkage mechanism and torque arm assembly does not result in a negative resistance force at any point during the rotation of the first shaft.