Patent ID: 6575881
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
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 in operative connection with the first shaft which, when displaced by a user, causes the first shaft to rotate; a torque arm assembly comprising at least an upper torque arm and a lower torque arm connected to the first shaft at different fixed angular orientations, each torque arm comprising a support mechanism to support at least one weight member thereon; and the upper torque arm being connected to the first shaft at an angular orientation so that when a weight member is placed on the upper torque arm, the upper torque arm generates a minimum resistance force at the end of the rotation of the first shaft when the user interface member is displaced by the user, the lower torque arm being connected to the first shaft at an angular orientation so that when a weight member is placed on the lower torque arm, the lower torque arm generates a minimum resistance force at the beginning of the rotation of the first shaft when the user interface member is displaced by the user, wherein a conversion mechanism operatively connects the first shaft and a second shaft rotatably connected to the user interface member, wherein the conversion mechanism operatively connects the first and second shafts to control the relative rates of rotation of the first and second shafts such that the resistance force generated by the torque arm assembly cannot result in a negative resistance force, and wherein the conversion mechanism is a linkage assembly.